Leap Ahead
Institutions
University of Derby (lead), University of Nottingham, Open University, Nottingham Trent University, Sheffield Hallam University, Chesterfield College, North Nottinghamshire College, West Nottinghamshire College.
Contact
Mike Braund, Director, Leap Ahead Lifelong Learning Network, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, DERBY, DE22 1GB, tel 01332 592257
Web-site
Award
£3.995 million
Period of funding
November 2006 - December 2009
Summary
The Leap Ahead Lifelong Learning Network has been created to establish the critical mass necessary to address the lack of higher level skills in the area's workforce. With access to the expertise of all its members and stakeholders, the LLN will be able to put in place the infrastructures needed to facilitate wider participation in HE. Specifically, the network will focus on increasing the number of vocationally qualified learners accessing HE by developing progression routes in the following priority occupational areas:
- construction
- engineering
- tourism & hospitality
- retail.
In light of the area's labour force projections, the LLN will specifically target the workplace to facilitate lifelong learning for those already in employment. This will involve developing more customisable, bite-sized curricula and flexible delivery models in response to employer demand as well as, importantly, creating new demand from employers with no experience of HE.
The LLN is being established at an exciting time in the development of the 14-19 vocational curriculum and will be able to facilitate the HE sector's engagement with these reforms.
Last updated 31 July 2007