Inspira has been named as the organisation to deliver a £2.65m support programme for the unemployed in Cumbria.

The programme was awarded to the careers management and personal development organisation by the Education and Skills Funding Agency, on behalf of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership.

It is due to start in April.

Sarah Harrington, Inspira director, said, “Having delivered this type of work successfully in Cumbria for the last two decades, we’re delighted to be able to continue this particular programme – delivering skills support to unemployed customers, helping them develop the skills they need to secure further training or employment.”

The programme will last until March 2021 and will see over 1,500 people given career management and practical support.

Inspira, a social enterprise charity, already works closely with Cumbria LEP.

Cumbria LEP head of employment and skills Craig Ivison said: “Cumbria LEP is playing an active role in skills development and training opportunities for the county and this investment reflects that drive.

“Tackling unemployment with targeted training provision to get people into work is a key strand to our skills strategy. Our aim is to work with partners such as Inspira, employers and stakeholders to address skills issues and support direct training provision to help unemployed people develop new career opportunities.”