University of Chester

Leading Employer Engagement Project (LEEP)

The University of Chester’s three-year Leading Employer Engagement Project (LEEP) aims to identify ‘missing’ higher-level sector skills, and address this skills gap. Based within the Cheshire and Warrington lifelong learning network, LEEP will work with employers to develop new programmes that integrate in-house training and professional qualifications with higher education curricula.

The project employs Employer Engagement Officers (EEO) who work in the field with employers to identify learning and training needs. Employer Curriculum Development Officers, who are based in the university, support EEOs, by developing curricula to suit the needs identified and assure validation and quality assurance.

The project works with a number of partners, including:

• Reaseheath College who have a Centre of Vocational Excellence in Food Technology and will deliver programmes of learning specific to this skills sector.

• Learning to Inspire, a Private Training Provider with a wide network of established relationships with employers including small and medium-sized enterprises, who will act as a conduit for engaging the university in assessing training needs and delivering bespoke higher education (HE) level provision.

Funding award : £996,669