Latest news with #NWTA
North Wales Chronicle
6 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
North Wales institutions launch new education partnership
The North Wales Tertiary Alliance (NWTA) brings together Bangor University, Wrexham University, Coleg Cambria, and Grŵp Llandrillo Menai in a joint effort to strengthen education and skills development, drive economic growth, and improve life opportunities across the region. 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.
Business News Wales
7 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Universities and Colleges Unite at National Eisteddfod to Launch Groundbreaking North Wales Partnership
Four leading educational institutions have united to form the North Wales Tertiary Alliance (NWTA) – a landmark partnership to strengthen education and skills development, fuel economic growth, and improve life opportunities across the region. Launched at the National Eisteddfod in Wrexham, the Alliance includes Bangor University, Wrexham University, Coleg Cambria, and Grŵp Llandrillo Menai. Together they aim to build a more coherent, inclusive, and connected tertiary education system that better serves learners, communities, and industries at every level. The NWTA is founded on a shared mission to align further and higher education with regional and national priorities, supporting young people, adult learners, and employers through stronger progression pathways, joint initiatives, and innovation in training and research. 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.' Aled Jones-Griffith, Chief Executive of Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, added: '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 NWTA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding committing the institutions to work together for four years, with ambitions to boost progression from further to higher education; develop skills pipelines aligned with regional economic needs; promote bilingual education and Welsh-medium provision; deliver inclusive, high-quality training from entry-level to degree apprenticeships and expand research and innovation that drives civic and economic impact. Welcoming the move, 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, added: '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 aim to work not just across the education system, but in partnership with industry, businesses, and public sector organisations in Wales and beyond, ensuring the area can respond to the challenges and opportunities of a changing economy.
The Independent
23-06-2025
- General
- The Independent
Quarter of women fleeing abuse unable to secure suitable refuge vacancy, new report finds
Almost one in four women fleeing abuse are unable to find refuge in safe accommodation, a new report has found. Domestic abuse survivors and their children are continuing to face significant — and often life-threatening — obstacles to find safety, a new report from Women's Aid has found. Its annual No Woman Turned Away (NWTA) report found that 23.7 per cent of women supported by the project were unable to secure a place in a refuge in 2024, despite repeated searches by specialist practitioners. Alarmingly, the report found 24 per cent of women were subjected to further abuse while waiting for temporary refuge accommodation, and 8.8 per cent were forced to sleep rough in order to escape abuse — an increase on the previous year. Farah Nazeer, chief executive of Women's Aid, said: 'Survivors of domestic abuse must not be left without safety or support simply because of their immigration status or a lack of available refuge spaces. The findings of this report show the devastating impact of systemic failures. 'Urgent action is needed to ensure every woman and child fleeing abuse can access the protection and support they need to rebuild their lives in safety.' NWTA provides support to women experiencing domestic abuse who face barriers in accessing a refuge space or safe accommodation. The report highlights the continued devastating consequences of a national shortage of refuge spaces, with many forced to choose between homelessness or remaining trapped with their abuser. Thousands of women across the UK face danger in their own homes, but a woman is turned away from a refuge every two hours due to a lack of space. This is why The Independent launched its Brick by Brick campaign last September to raise £300,000 to build a haven for women escaping their abusive partners. The hugely successful campaign, launched in partnership with leading domestic abuse charity Refuge, was backed by readers, politicians, royalty and celebrities when it launched in September last year. When the initial target of £300,000 was reached after just a month of fundraising, The Independent decided to build a second house and more than £585,000 was raised in total by our generous readers. The new semi-detached houses, built by Persimmon Homes, are in a secret location to protect survivors. They have two double-sized bedrooms, open-plan kitchens and built-in cupboard storage space, as well as solar panels on the roof and a private drive with off-road parking. The homes also include a number of safety features, including CCTV, a fireproof letterbox, and enhanced locking on windows and doors. After the 10,946 bricks were laid, an all-female team of decorators added the finishing touches to the property to make it a true home for those seeking refuge. Construction on the first purpose-built safe house was completed earlier this year, and a family has already moved in.
