City of Lincoln Council was awarded £2.8 million through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). Part of this funding was dedicated to a Supporting Local Business Enterprise & Skills package.
The UKSPF has three different strands: Community & Place, Supporting Local Business and People and Skills. This project was supported under the Supporting Local Business strand as part of an approved initiative to support local enterprises and growth.
One of the projects that benefitted from this funding is the Lincoln Training Academy (LTA). LTA has played a crucial role in strengthening the local economy, creating job opportunities, and ensuring Lincoln’s motor industry remains a leader in modern vehicle maintenance.
The UKSPF funding and council support accelerated the construction of the new training centre, which opened in June 2024. The speed at which the centre was able to be built meant that LTA was able to secure a government contract for Electric Vehicle Training in partnership with Duplex Business Services.
The advantages gained from the funding and support enabled LTA to outpace competitors and bring the training programme, which was originally planned for Wolverhampton, to Lincoln. This funding ensured that Lincoln became a focal point for high-quality automotive training.
Since securing the contract, LTA has established itself as a premier training hub for the motor industry, successfully delivering government-backed training programs.
The funding has been instrumental in developing a state-of-the-art training centre, reducing the need for technicians to travel long distances, such as to Manchester and London, for essential qualifications.
LTA offers a range of IMI-accredited courses, including Electric Vehicle (EV) Level 2, 3, and 4 training and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) certification. With UKSPF support, the academy has secured subsidised courses, allowing eligible delegates to pay just 10% (£280 + VAT) or 30% (£840 + VAT) of the total cost, depending on employment status.
These courses are critical in addressing the UK’s shortage of qualified EV technicians, ensuring local garages and businesses can confidently service and repair modern vehicles. Since its launch, LTA has witnessed a surge in demand from local businesses eager to upskill their workforce.
Cllr Joshua Wells, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth at City of Lincoln Council, said:
"The UK Shared Prosperity Fund has been instrumental in enabling this project to succeed. By supporting the Lincoln Training Academy, we are not only investing in local skills and job creation but also strengthening the city’s economy and positioning Lincoln at the forefront of automotive training.
“This initiative exemplifies our commitment to sustainable growth, innovation, and ensuring businesses and individuals have the opportunities they need to thrive."
Lois Lane, Training & Business Manager at Lincoln Training Academy, commented:
“Due to the skills gap in the motor industry, we aim to help with the shortage of technicians.
“We also have a very well-equipped training centre in the heart of Lincoln where we have training rigs, different vehicle components, live vehicles to work on and with, and all the latest vehicle technology.”
LTA remains dedicated to its mission and often outsources trainers who help contribute to course delivery. The academy continues to provide invaluable training opportunities for technicians and businesses across Lincolnshire.
For more information on available courses and enrolment, please visit the Lincoln Training Academy website.