As the Liverpool City Region intensifies its focus on inclusive growth and boosting productivity, the local skills agenda is evolving to meet the needs of local employers. Major developments in housing, infrastructure, and net-zero initiatives are creating high demand across sectors like construction—yet many residents remain disconnected from sustainable employment, often due to barriers such as language or lack of qualifications.
At Complete Skills Solutions, we’re closing this gap with training that’s designed for impact. Our targeted, employment-led programmes are equipping learners with the tools they need to succeed—aligning with regional ambitions for a skilled, inclusive workforce.
Backed by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Adult Skills Fund, our ESOL into Employment and Introduction to Construction courses respond directly to regional priorities for growth, employer demand for skilled labour and lived experiences and needs of local learners
Tackling Economic Inactivity with Skills that Change Lives
Data highlights persistent labour market challenges across the Liverpool City Region. Economic inactivity sits at 25.3%, which is notably above the national average. A further 8.4% of residents have no formal qualifications, while 27% of Liverpool City Council’s working-age population are economically inactive, often due to long-term health conditions or limited skills. The region also records an employment rate of just 71.4%, trailing behind national benchmarks, and unemployment remains higher than in many neighbouring areas.
These figures highlight the urgent need for training provision that is inclusive, accessible, and driven by tangible outcomes. The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is responding decisively through its Long-Term Skills Plan and Local Skills Improvement Plan, which prioritise adult upskilling, return-to-work pathways, and a renewed emphasis on foundational workplace skills, including English language.
At Complete Skills Solutions, we’re proud to be actively supporting these efforts by delivering employer-led training designed to remove barriers and unlock opportunity—helping the region build a more resilient, skilled, and inclusive workforce.
Chief Operating Officer at Complete Skills Solutions Fay Gibbin commented:
“We understand that for many learners, gaining a qualification is just one piece of the puzzle—it’s the pathway into real, sustainable employment that truly matters. At Complete Skills Solutions, our ESOL and Construction programmes are built to meet individuals exactly where they are. By removing barriers and offering practical, hands-on support, we empower learners with the knowledge, skills, confidence, and connections they need to take their next steps”
ESOL Into Employment: Language Learning with Purpose
For those learning English as a second language, finding a way into the workforce can feel overwhelming. That’s why our ESOL into Employment programme is more than a language course—it’s a lifeline to new possibilities.
We understand that ESOL learners face unique challenges when it comes to communicating in the workplace, adapting to new systems, and building confidence. Our programme has designed to meet those challenges head-on.
At Entry Levels 1 and 2, learners are gently introduced to practical English in a supportive environment that nurtures confidence, boosts self-esteem, and fosters deeper community integration. As learners advance to Entry Level 3, our curriculum evolves to strengthen not only their language skills but also their employability—offering focused, personalised support at every step to help them transition into further training or meaningful work
Whether learners dream of working in construction, health and social care, early years, or hair and beauty, the pathway they choose gives them language skills tailored to real workplaces, hands-on knowledge and vocabulary employers seek and the confidence to engage, apply, and succeed.
We believe every learner deserves the chance to build a better future—regardless of where they started or what language they speak at home. Our programme helps turn ESOL learners into empowered jobseekers with a voice and a vision.
Introduction to Construction: From Foundation to Site Work
Our Introduction to Construction course is a hands-on, 10-day programme designed to open doors to careers in trades, site labouring, ground working, and beyond. Delivered at local skills centres across the city region, learners gain:
- Level 1 Awards in Building and Construction, Health & Safety, and Recycling & Waste Management
- Mandatory site skills
- A guaranteed CSCS test booking upon successful completion of the Health and Safety training. Passing both will earn them the Green CSCS Operative Card.
- Site visits, employer guest speakers, and practical training in bricklaying and environmental awareness
We’re proud to collaborate with employers such as Vistry Group, its supply chain, and Trust Utility Management to ensure our training reflects the reality of today’s job market. By integrating up-to-date best practices and construction site requirements directly into our course content, we’re delivering learning that doesn’t just meet standards—it meets employer expectations.
This hands-on employer engagement means learners complete with more than just qualifications. They leave equipped with relevant skills and crucially opportunities for real interviews and routes into sustainable employment.
The Community Shop Partnership: Support that goes beyond the classroom
All learners enrolled in our funded training programmes benefit from our exclusive partnership with Community Shop, a membership-only redistributor of surplus food and household essentials. Through this initiative, learners gain access to heavily discounted items throughout their time on programme—helping to ease cost-of-living pressures while they focus on building skills for the future. Upon completing the course, every learner receives a complimentary 12-month Community Shop membership, extending the support well beyond the classroom.”
This wraparound support is key to removing barriers and keeping learners engaged, especially those balancing job search, training, and family life.
To find out more about our ESOL into Employment or Introduction to Construction programmes, or to discuss eligibility, get in touch with our friendly team
