Yesterday (Wednesday 2 June) a new vision for post-16 education in South West Wales was unveiled at the National Urdd Eisteddfod, Llanerchaeron, Ceredigion.
The vision is to establish a regional educational group comprising two universities and three FE colleges in South West Wales to create a dual sector group structure providing meaningful educational pathways, enhancing student choice and developing joint educational provision which responds to the needs of employers.
A declaration of intent was announced between the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (created by 1 September by the merger of Trinity University College and the University of Wales Lampeter), Swansea Metropolitan University, Pembrokeshire College, Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion.
Dr Medwin Hughes, Vice-Chancellor Designate of UW Trinity Saint David, said “In addressing the various policy directives identified by the Welsh Assembly Government, the higher education sector in Wales faces major strategic challenges. The For Our Future strategy identifies the necessity to consider the implications of strategic partnerships and new reconfiguration models. This proposal builds upon the current reconfiguration already approved by the Welsh Assembly Government within the region with the creation of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David”.
He continued “The time is right to establish new educational structures which will transform the educational landscape. Wales needs to be innovative in its educational system and delivery frameworks in order to establish regional groupings which will enhance economic delivery, support social capital and drive forward greater regional post 16 educational pathways. In doing so, we will secure greater synergy in our skills delivery and establish far stronger strategic partnerships with business, employers and work-based learning providers”.
Professor David Warner, Vice-Chancellor of Swansea Metropolitan University, said “The possibility of both Swansea Metropolitan University and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David coming together within a new unified educational infrastructure is based upon a long standing tradition of collaboration and of sharing common values, mission and educational provision. Both universities focus upon a clear regional mission and deliver quality provision which enhances regional progression.”
The Statement of Intent between the two universities, Coleg Sir Gâr, Pembrokeshire College and Coleg Ceredigion proposes to establish a new Post-16 regional strategic alliance for the South West within a collegiate structure.
Glyn Jones, Principal of Pembrokeshire College, commented, “We are very enthusiastic about the opportunities which this development offers to young people and employers in Pembrokeshire. Together we will be able to offer learning pathways from school through to post graduate courses, which will be closely linked to careers and jobs in this area. The fact that these opportunities will be available in South West Wales is a very exciting prospect”.
“Educational institutions have a vital role to play in delivering future prosperity for the region by developing the skills and knowledge base of the workforce. Coleg Sir Gâr welcomes the opportunity to be part of this innovative grouping of colleges and universities which will put in place a coherent and co-ordinated structure to maximise the economic impact of the education and training they provide” said Brian Robinson, Principal of Coleg Sir Gâr.
Andre Morgan, Principal of Coleg Ceredigion, said: “We are delighted to be a partner in this exciting venture to develop a regional model for further and higher education in South West Wales. The dual sector education grouping will provide a wealth of new opportunities and progression routes for post-16 learners throughout the region.”
Dr Medwin Hughes concluded “This statement of intent sets out a strategic context for change – the continuation of a journey which intends to radically transform post-16 education in South West Wales and deliver step change responsive to the educational, economic and social challenges of the region”.
