New partnerships for higher and further education as colleges and the University of Wales sign Deed of Association

The formation of a network of Technical University Institutes bringing together higher and further education has taken a step closer to becoming a reality as the University of Wales, UWTSD and leading Further Education colleges enter a new partnership. The Technical University Institutes will deliver a programme of higher technical qualifications across economic and social priority sectors and will be driven by employer need.

The institutes will form part of a new confederal university structure made possible by the Royal Charter of the University of Wales and will include the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Wales’ dual sector university group which encompasses Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion.  Joining the confederal university are CAVC Group, NPTC Group of Colleges, and Pembrokeshire College and each will remain independent further education institutions.

The plans to create the network were outlined by Professor Medwin Hughes, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David at a graduation ceremony in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Charles. Following the ceremony, Professor Hughes, said:

“This agreement is a milestone in the journey of both higher and further education as together the universities and colleges respond to the Welsh Government’s bill to create a single post compulsory education sector for Wales.”

Following the formal signing of the deed of association, the University of Wales Trinity Saint David will now partner with the colleges to develop a new approach to the design, delivery and quality assurance of higher-level technical qualifications.

Mark Dacey Chief Executive Officer of the NPTC Group of Colleges, commented:

“The partnership will ensure that we are an effective and active partner within the University of Wales and sit alongside the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. Work is already underway to codesign and co-curate the new range of technical and vocational qualifications. This will provide genuine parity of esteem and opportunities for learners to progress their careers whilst supporting local employers.”

Dr Andrew Cornish PGCE, Principal and Chief Executive Officer for Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion, said:

“The advent of the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research (CTER) will bring both opportunity and challenges. This new relationship will develop an exciting, confederal working relationship between the University and its FE partners as part of an integrated, successful dual sector approach to education. Supporting business will be central to this development in the coming months, as we work with them to provide a highly skilled and valued future workforce for Wales.”

CAVC Group Chief Executive, Mike James, said:

“CAVC Group has built strong, meaningful partnerships with universities in Wales over the last decade and we are committed to continuing this. This exciting partnership offers a progressive, cohesive, dual-sector approach to further developing our higher-level technical skills offer in line with regional and national skills priorities. Ensuring we have the right qualifications and high-quality training in place to develop higher-level skills, supports our community, employers and the economy of our region and beyond.”

Pembrokeshire College Principal, Dr Barry Walters, added:

“The College is delighted to be working with University of Wales Trinity Saint David and other Further Education colleges in this new approach in terms of delivery of Higher Education provision locally.  We have partnered with the University since 2011 and look forward to continuing to collaborate moving forward.”

Further Information

For more information please contact Arwel Lloyd, Principal PR and Communications Officer, on 01267 676663 / arwel.lloyd@uwtsd.ac.uk