The Greater Manchester Post-16 Skills Pathways Report

This report reflects Greater Manchester’s commitment to working collaboratively across education, industry, and system partners to improve learner pathways and support economic growth.

For the first time, post-16 education supply and employer demand data have been brought together at a Greater Manchester level, providing a clearer, evidence-based view of how skills provision aligns with labour market needs.

View the full report here or download the summary report here.

Key Recommendations

In response, the report sets out four key recommendations to support a more responsive and connected skills system:

  • Develop a unified data system to monitor learner journeys through education to employment outcomes.

  • Deliver a coordinated approach to careers guidance across Greater Manchester.

  • Embed employer engagement across curriculum design and delivery.

  • Develop flexible, modular programmes aligned to growth sectors.

Delivered in partnership

The project was guided a cross-sector Steering Group, including representatives from further and higher education, industry, and regional bodies. This has ensured the report is both grounded in delivery experience and focused on future system change.