West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Judges praised West Yorkshire’s partnership-led approach. The Combined Authority has made full use of its devolved powers to connect learning with local jobs, working with employers, sector bodies, and local councils to design training around labour market need. Programmes are reaching people who stand to benefit most: three quarters of adult learners in West Yorkshire are unemployed and 43% come from deprived communities. Targeted work in areas including Bradford and Kirklees is helping more people with low or no qualifications take up learning.

The impact isn’t limited to jobs. West Yorkshire’s Out of Court Pathways Pilot, developed with police and justice partners, is also showing how adult learning can support safer and stronger communities: 91% of participants did not reoffend within six months. The Get the Nation Learning Awards are part of Get the Nation Learning Week, running from 2–6 November. Led by Learning and Work Institute and backed by more than 230 organisations, the Get the Nation Learning campaign celebrates the power of lifelong learning to change lives, strengthen communities and support better work

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:
“This award is testament to the unique way our colleges, training providers, businesses and employers have all pulled together to make West Yorkshire a region of learning and creativity.

“With over 300,000 enrolments on skills courses, alongside targeted support for those who need it most, we’re ensuring that everyone has the skills they need to succeed. “With the devolution of 16-18 education as well as adult education, we’ll be able to get even more people into learning and work, unleashing their talents to build a brighter West Yorkshire.”

Nathan, a learner with West Yorkshire Combined Authority, said:
“Lifelong Learning helped me when I had no confidence in myself and no work experience. For approximately five years, I became very withdrawn and rarely had the courage to leave my house. I became a volunteer to help run the courses that I had previously completed, and to help others with their journeys. Now I have experience running courses myself and studying for a Level 3 Award in Education and Training.”

Stephen Evans, Chief Executive of Learning and Work Institute, said:
“Combined authorities have a vital role to play in supporting adults to learn and progress, particularly as devolution expands across England. West Yorkshire Combined Authority is showing how adult learning can be embedded in wider priorities, with strong partnerships acting as a catalyst for change. It’s fantastic to be able to celebrate their achievements and award them with the Regional Growth Award at the Get the Nation Learning Awards 2026.”