A major new skills initiative has launched in Milton Keynes to help residents gain the training employers say they need most.

Milton Keynes College Group, Santander UK, The Open University and Milton Keynes City Council have partnered to create Skill Up:MK, a new platform offering free and subsidised courses in areas such as digital, sustainability, and leadership.

The new website — skillupmk.co.uk — brings together online and face-to-face training designed to improve employability and support local business growth. Many of the in-person courses will be delivered at venues across the city.

Caroline Indge, head of partnerships and innovation at Milton Keynes College Group, said: “This alliance is all about helping to tackle the skills gaps across the city. Taking these courses could significantly impact people’s chances of finding work. In such a fast-changing world, lifelong learning is becoming ever more important for all of us to keep up.”

Research by The Open University found that 74% of employers believe adopting new technologies would improve productivity, but that a shortage of skills is holding them back.

Andrew Wilson, director of communications, marketing and responsible banking at Santander UK, added: “Skill Up:MK is a fantastic new initiative to provide the people of Milton Keynes with the vital skills that many businesses are lacking or looking for in today’s world of work.”

Courses are flexible, allowing learners to complete them at their own pace. Milton Keynes is being used as the pilot location for the scheme, which could expand nationwide if successful. Santander is also funding bursaries for training at Milton Keynes College Group, including specialist courses at the Green Skills Centre in areas such as solar panel and EV charge point installation.

The initiative has received support from local leaders. Councillor Shanika Mahendran, cabinet member at Milton Keynes City Council, said the partnership would provide “real opportunities for young people to gain the skills they need for the jobs of the future”.

Milton Keynes MPs Chris Curtis and Emily Darlington have also backed the project, calling it a major step in ensuring the city remains a hub for innovation and enterprise.

For more information, visit skillupmk.co.uk.