Leading colleges and universities from across the West of England have formally launched two new regional partnerships designed to strengthen skills, support economic growth and create more opportunities for learners.
The new forums, Colleges West and Universities West, were officially launched at an event hosted by the University of the West of England, bringing together nine of the region’s leading education providers under a shared commitment to collaboration.
Colleges West includes Bath College, City of Bristol College, SGS College, St Brendan’s Sixth Form College and Weston College. Universities West brings together Bath Spa University, the University of Bath, the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England.
Collectively, the institutions educate more than 150,000 students and contribute billions of pounds to the regional economy.
The partnerships aim to strengthen links with employers, policymakers and local communities while helping to meet future workforce needs through upskilling, reskilling and lifelong learning. Both forums have committed to working alongside the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority to support delivery of the region’s Skills Strategy, which includes the ambition of becoming the UK’s first NEET Zero region.
Business West’s Futures West initiative will provide the secretariat for both groups, helping coordinate collaboration between education providers, businesses and civic leaders.
Andrea Dell, Director of Futures West at Business West, said, “The West of England region has many things to be proud of, and one is how we collaborate. These two forums are all about working collaboratively, purposefully and transparently for the benefit of our region and its people.”
Professor Sir Steve West CBE, DL, Chair of Universities West and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West of England, said, “I’m excited by what Universities West can achieve. By working in partnership, we can help create the right conditions to boost skills, widen opportunity and support economic growth. This united front reflects the region’s wider commitment to collaboration and to improving outcomes for people and communities across the West of England.”
David Withey, Chair of Colleges West and Principal and CEO of SGS College, highlighted the important role colleges play across the region.
He said, “Colleges in the West of England educate 50,000 learners every year. We are also one of the largest employers in the region, with nearly 3,500 people working to provide the workforce of the future, and build a more prosperous and inclusive region where more people can access the opportunities that growth creates.
“We are ambitious for the West of England and for the people who live and work here. Colleges West is a partnership that will enable us to combine our expertise, reach and employer relationships. Working together will help us unlock talent in every community, create clearer pathways into learning and work, and align the skills of our residents with the region’s priorities.”
The launch was attended by representatives from education, business and local government, including Councillor Tony Dyer, Deputy Mayor of the West of England, and followed the publication of the Milburn report on young people and work.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, welcomed the initiative.
She said, “Our universities and colleges are vital drivers of growth here in the country’s fastest-growing regional economy, creating pathways to good jobs for local people, driving innovation, and attracting national and international investment. I warmly welcome the official launch of Universities West and Colleges West, and their commitment to working collaboratively to boost economic growth and create new jobs in the West of England.”
The new partnerships hope their combined approach will help create clearer routes into education and employment while ensuring the region has the skills needed to support future economic success.
