North East Higher Skills Network
Institutions
Teesside University (lead), University of Durham, University of Newcastle, University of Northumbria, University of Sunderland, Open University in the North and 22 further education colleges
Contacts
Colin Wilkinson, Network Director, NEHSN, Centre for Lifelong Learning, Teesside University, MIDDLESBROUGH, TS1 3BA, e-mail colin.wilkinson@tees.ac.uk, tel 01642 342990, fax 01642 342293
R Lowans, NEHSN Project Manager, Centre for Lifelong Learning, Teesside University, MIDDLESBROUGH, TS1 3BA, e-mail r.lowans@tees.ac.uk
Web-site
Award
£5.5 million
Period of funding
April 2006 - March 2009 (extended to September 2009)
Summary
The North East Higher Skills Network is a Lifelong Learning Network (LLN) for the North East, supported by all 28 higher and further education institutions in the region. In addition key regional stakeholders have been consulted and have given their support.
The network will:
enable over 2000 people with vocational qualifications to take a higher education learning opportunity
improve the percentage of the region’s economically active residents with qualifications at level 4 and above from 20.7 per cent in 2003 to 29 per cent in 2010.
Activity, in the first instance, will be focused on sectors of key regional significance, namely engineering (manufacturing), health and social care and the cross-cutting themes of leadership and management. The network will also seek to contribute and respond to emerging regional priorities identified by consultation on the Regional Economic Strategy.
At the end of the proposed funding period the LLN will be equipped with the expertise and infrastructure to sustain its unique contribution to the regional skills agenda. In particular, it will have produced:
progression agreements which provide a level of seamlessness and clarity for vocational learners that do not currently exist
closer engagement with employers and employer intermediaries – in particular the Sector Skills Councils - which will impact on delivery patterns, engendering flexibility and ensuring provision is ‘fit for (the demand side) purpose’
better knowledge and understanding of clearly articulated progression routes and provision. This will help learners access the HE system and help employers to subscribe to the business case for improving workforce skills and qualifications. Demand will be stimulated in a slow and difficult market. Information and guidance workers and intermediaries will be equipped to offer clearer and improved guidance to individuals
the region’s existing partnerships and networks will be strengthened and re-configured. The post 16 sector will have a powerful joint voice in the region, enabling the further and higher education sectors to play a full and pivotal role in regional economic and social agendas.
Last updated 22 July 2009