Better Business / Member news
Collaborative colleges partnership launched to boost economic growth
A new partnership of Further Education and Sixth Form colleges has launched in the West of England to boost skills and drive economic growth for more than 50,000 learners.
Colleges West brings together five institutions — City of Bristol College, St Brendan’s Sixth Form College, South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, Bath College and Weston College — to strengthen collaboration with employers, government and local communities.
With a combined turnover of £215m, more than 3,380 staff and links to 6,700 employers, the partnership aims to expand opportunities for learners, enhance training and support the region’s long-term Growth Strategy unveiled by the West of England Combined Authority.
Julia Gray, principal and chief executive, said Colleges West would “enhance the quality of Further Education” across the region. She commented: “Colleges West is an incredibly exciting new partnership allowing for collaboration in the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority area.
City of Bristol College is one of five institutions of the partnership – photo: City of Bristol College
“It will see our colleges work more closely together to enhance the quality of Further Education for the 50,000 students currently enrolled in our colleges and for future students in our region.
“Further Education will continue to play a critical role in delivering economic growth and vibrant communities in our region, and Colleges West will work closely with national and regional governments to ensure alignment and delivery of our shared objectives.
“This will further strengthen the critical role that colleges play in delivering economic growth, social mobility and stronger communities. By working together, our colleges can better support government and employers to ensure the West of England has the skills it needs to thrive.”
Helen Godwin, mayor of the West of England recently launched a new ten-year growth strategy – photo: Milan Perera
Helen Godwin, mayor of the West of England, hailed it as a commitment to “back skills and back growth.”
“This new partnership will back skills and back growth,” said Godwin.
“Our colleges and sixth forms give learners the opportunity to achieve their goals at all stages of life, and working together with Colleges West in this new chapter for our wider region, we can show everyone how they can be part of a bright future.”
Main photo: City of Bristol College
City of Bristol College is a member of the Bristol24/7 Better Business network, an initiative to help businesses thrive while creating a positive impact on Bristol and the people who live here. As part of their membership, businesses can publish member news stories like this. For more information, visit my.bristol247.com/better-business
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