The universities of South West England have much to offer to businesses and non-profit making organisations in the region. This project, funded by HEFCE, aims to meet the demands of employers by commissioning higher level skills training to improve their business offering. Read our Short Guide to Skills here.
Project extension to July 2010 to meet the needs of employers in Low Carbon sub-sectors - New
The SW HLSPP has been extended to July 2010 to focus on Low Carbon economic improvement through addressing the higher skills needs of businesses, and their employees, that operate in the marine energy (wind, wave and tidal), non-marine renewables, low carbon manufacturing and renewable construction sub-sectors. The aim of the extension is to:
- explore and stimulate the demand for higher level skills development in these sub-sectors; and
- liaise with those regional HEIs/FECs who have expertise in these areas to assist with translating the demand into appropriate provision.
To enable this activity the project has retained two intermediaries from the original strand "stimulating demand" who will work collaboratively with employers, HEIs, FECs, REGEN SW, SWMAS and relevant SSCs. It is anticipated that this activity will dovetail into other regional low carbon related projects and activities that are underway.
A small capacity building fund has been made available to assist HEIs and FECs to meet any emerging employer demand for the development of new or revised skills provision in this area. Please see the Development Fund page for further details.
Main Project Activity January 2007 to December 2009
The project, to December 2009 gave employers, in all sectors, the opportunity to commission flexible higher level training for their employees, who were able to work towards university-level awards as part of their professional development. In order to deliver the objectives of this project, the Higher Level Skills Pathfinder in the South West had four themes:
- Stimulating Demand
- Shell Awards Framework
- 'Employer Engagement' Research Project
- Funding Methodology
These four themes have now closed their activity and are in the reporting and evaluation phase of the project. Project reports are available by clicking on the links above.
The Higher Skills Project works directly with employers to develop and commission university-level training through a university or college in South West England. If you would like to see how your business could benefit from working with a Higher Skills Intermediary please contact us on 01392 454106 or higherskills@universitiessouthwest.ac.uk
To contact Deborah Winwood, Project Manager for the Higher Level Skills Pathfinder email deborah.winwood@universitiessouthwest.ac.uk or phone 01392 454970.