A total of 1,261 learners have been helped through Adult Education Budget training programmes during the coronavirus pandemic.

Realise, one of a group of providers delivering adult education training in the Liverpool City Region, revealed that it continued to deliver during the pandemic.

Around three quarters of the adults benefiting from Realise training are from disadvantaged postcodes, with a similar number being female.

Around 400 of the learners were either unemployed or in receipt of a low wage, while more than a third had a disability and 80 per cent were over the age of 25.

Gregg Scott, Managing Director of Realise, said: “In terms of adult education and training across the UK, the Liverpool City Region has been one of the major success stories of the pandemic.

Wirral Globe: Gregg Scott, managing director of training provider, RealiseGregg Scott, managing director of training provider, Realise

“Due to the devolved powers the region enjoys when it comes to the Adult Education Budget, we have been able to deliver an innovative and flexible approach designed to meet the requirements of the region.

“We have been able to support more Liverpool City Region residents earning below the Real Living Wage to have access to fully funded skills.

“We have also been able to expand fully funded Level 2 qualifications to Liverpool City Region residents in need of training.

“There are certain sectors, most notably health and social care, that have really benefited from this additional flexibility we have been able to deliver.

“The work over the last 10 months around adult education in difficult circumstances will make a substantial impact, both to the long-term economic position of the Liverpool City Region and to individuals who are completing apprenticeships and other training programmes to make a real difference to their lives.”

Amongst the qualifications delivered by Realise to residents of Liverpool City Region are Awards for Mental Health Awareness, Adult Social Care and Working as a Security Officer, as well as functional skills qualifications in English and Maths.