Making a real difference, and genuinely changing lives

by Oct 3, 2023City & Guilds initiatives, News, Reports, Social Impact

I have always known that City & Guilds is a force for good – helping millions of people to access skills. And it’s no surprise really that for nearly 150 years our purpose has remained the same – to help people, organisations and economies to develop their skills for growth.

I am delighted to be able to launch today our impact report, which brings to life exactly how we’re delivering on our purpose and making a real difference – genuinely changing lives.

Back in 2020 we made it our ambition to better understand, measure and report on the societal impact we are having across every touch point in the activities we deliver and markets and sectors we work in.

This year, we are able to proudly say that City & Guilds courses have contributed to c. £11.2 billion to UK society in the past year alone.* And 72% of learners in 2019/2020 have now progressed into further education or employment as a result of their City & Guilds qualification. What an achievement when you consider that for this cohort of learners, investing in skills development was done through the pandemic and has enabled them to thrive.

“Never before has the link between skills, thriving communities and prosperity been so clear. Skills development sits at the heart of our economy, and by supporting more learners and organisations in the right ways, we can have a meaningful impact on wider society,  creating a better future for everyone.”

Dame Ann Limb DBE DL

Chair, City & Guilds

This report really does demonstrate the importance of investing in skills development for both the social and economic health of the nation. And it reflects how passionate we all are across City & guilds in wanting individuals and organisations to thrive.

Find out more and read the reports on Our Impact page.

*This figure has been calculated based on the expected earnings uplift, learners’ wellbeing and annualised value of future increased earnings resulting from achieving a City & Guilds qualification.

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