Our Skills, Employment and Adult Education Service has announced the continuation of the SEGRO Employment Access Fund.
The Fund helps support residents who need education or training to help them find work.
Following a successful pilot of the Fund in 2024, SEGRO has confirmed its continued support throughout 2025.
There are several funding streams available to support learning through the Adult Education Budget via the West Midlands Combined Authority and the Education & Skills Funding Agency, but the SEGRO Employment Access Fund helps offer financial support to Coventry residents who are not eligible for this funding.
To date, a wide range of learning opportunities have been accessed including:
- English for Speakers of Other languages (ESOL)
- English (Functional Skills qualification)
- Caring for a Child
- Mathematics
- Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
The courses are provided by Coventry’s Adult Education Service across the city.
Councillor Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said:
“The SEGRO Employment Access Fund is a fantastic lifeline for people who are seeking employment but might have a barrier in the way of them becoming employed.
“The support from SEGRO is vital to helping us make further progress in removing barriers to education and skills for a wide range of Coventry residents.”
SEGRO is the owner, developer and manager of SEGRO Park Coventry, and is a long-term investor in the area, The Fund forms part of its Coventry Community Investment Plan, a long-term commitment to support the communities around its development. The SEGRO Employment Access Fund, set up in partnership between SEGRO and Coventry City Council’s Skills, Employment & Adult Education Service has already supported 50 Coventry residents in accessing activities and training that they would have otherwise been ineligible for.
Dan Holford, Head of National Markets at SEGRO, said:
"We are proud to support the continuation of the SEGRO Employment Access Fund, which is making a real difference in helping Coventry residents access education and training opportunities. As long-term investors, we are committed to building thriving communities and investing in skills and employment is a key priority for us. By working together with Coventry City Council, we can help remove barriers to learning and empower more people to achieve their potential."
Agnieskza, who attended an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) course, said:
“At first, I was scared to speak at work but now I’m trying more. I have more confidence. I think this course will help me find a better job. I was a shift manager at McDonalds in Poland and I would like to get a job in retail as my English language improves.”
Sehresh, who attended a Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools, said
“I had good experience; I had all the help I needed to finish this course. My tutor was very helpful and encouraging. My biggest achievement was I got a job straight after finishing my course”.
Anyone who would like to find out more about the courses available can find information on the Council website: www.coventrys.gov.uk/adulted