North Wales institutions launch new education partnership
The alliance was officially launched on Tuesday, August 5, at the National Eisteddfod in Wrexham.
Yana Williams, chief executive of Coleg Cambria, said: "This collaboration brings together the scale and diversity of our institutions to enhance learner opportunities and serve the varied needs of North Wales.
"By aligning with the goals of MEDR, the new Commission for Tertiary Education and Research, we're committed to continuous improvement and a more joined-up education system."
The NWTA aims to create a more cohesive, inclusive, and connected tertiary education system by improving progression pathways, launching joint initiatives, and encouraging innovation in training and research.
Aled Jones-Griffith, chief executive of Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, said: "We want to make it easier for young people to move from school into college and university, and for adults to re-engage with learning at any stage.
"This alliance will help us support people into quality jobs and close the gap between vocational and academic routes."
The four institutions have signed a Memorandum of Understanding committing to work together for four years.
Key goals include boosting progression from further to higher education, developing skills pipelines that meet regional economic needs, promoting bilingual and Welsh-medium provision, and delivering high-quality training from entry-level to degree apprenticeships.
The alliance also aims to expand research and innovation with civic and economic impact.
Professor Edmund Burke, vice-chancellor of Bangor University, said: "By working closely together, we can ensure that we provide a wide range of opportunities for students, businesses and the region.
"The NWTA strengthens pathways and helps us to deliver a more accessible, flexible, and future-ready education system."
Professor Joe Yates, vice-chancellor of Wrexham University, said: "We're united by the belief that collaboration unlocks solutions.
"This alliance focuses on raising participation in higher-level skills, especially in underrepresented communities, and building the workforce needed in both the public and private sectors."
The NWTA will also engage with industry, the public sector, and businesses in Wales and beyond to meet the demands of a rapidly changing economy.
As the Curriculum for Wales is introduced, the alliance plans to build stronger links with schools to encourage young people to pursue further education and training.
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