Skills for Londoners Capital Fund

Since 2014 LEAP have been supporting initiatives to deliver dynamic, innovative and inclusive learning environments, which foster collaboration between the skills sector and businesses - so learners can flourish and develop their careers.

Most recently the Skills for Londoners Capital Fund (SfLCF) was launched (2017) with over £110m of LEAP funding for investment into estate and equipment for London's skills providers over four years. The fund will:

• RESPOND to current and future skills requirements of employers and learners, improve quality of provision and learner satisfaction, progression and success rates
• SUPPORT increased levels of apprenticeship delivery and/or progression to the highest levels of vocational and technical study
• ESTABLISH strong and innovative partnership with employers and local stakeholders

Over £87m has already been awarded - £30m in round 1 (2018) and £57m through round 2 (summer 2019), of which some £7m was ringfenced for investment specifically in construction skills training facilities and equipment under the Mayor's Construction Academy (MCA).

By ensuring these funds continue to reach ambitious and dynamic proposals that deliver modern, fit-for-purpose facilities across the capital, the LEAP are helping ensure all Londoners can benefit from opportunities to progress in learning and grow skills that will help them access the jobs on offer in our city.

In response to stakeholder feedback, the Small Projects and Equipment Fund was also formed. This is based upon the investment priorities of the second round of the SfLCF, but has been tailored to deliver targeted investment in smaller projects and specialist equipment for skills providers.

Some £3.6m was allocated to 39 projects through Round 1 in 2018. Round 2 concluded in March 2020 with a further £4.2m awarded to over 30 new projects. For more details or to check for the latest updates on any future funding rounds please go here.

London South East College's Hospitality, Food and Enterprise Career College received £2.5m from the LEAP and the Mayor and partnered with the College Careers Trust to refurbish part of the Bromley campus, creating additional teaching kitchens, training food retail outlets and ancillary accommodation.

Opening in April 2017, London South East College provides industry standard hospitality and catering training facilities, including a cafe (BR6 Bakehouse), training shop and pastry and bakery kitchen. Additionally, it has a strong partnership with the College Career Trust to support the curriculum, employability, career and work place opportunities for students.

The college responds to employer and sector identified skill shortages by supporting the development of highly skilled professional apprentices and graduates with the ability, competencies and aptitude to make a significant contribution to the hospitality sector