Latest news with #YanaWilliams
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.
