Guaranteed University opportunities for vocational learners

Published by Sheila Murray for 24dash.com in Education

A new agreement in the East Midlands giving guaranteed opportunities at university for people training for vocational skills is to get the go ahead. This agreement has been signed by universities and colleges in Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Rutland.

The final signing, by Professor Robert Burgess, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, will take place on the 23 January as part of a commitment to widen access to higher education for those engaged in vocational learning.

The University is the lead partner in the Skills for Sustainable Communities Lifelong Learning Network which brings together education partners across Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Rutland covering a range of academic levels.

The agreement sets out a number of conditions that need to be met for applicants to specific higher education programmes to be given guaranteed places or an enhanced offer of a place.

For example students studying a BTEC National at a partner college would have the opportunity of an enhanced offer at a university within the Network once a progression agreement is in place.

Jenny Rice, Project Director at the Lifelong Learning Network said ‘We are committed to widening access for vocational learners in higher education. The progression agreements signed by our partners will ensure that colleges and universities within the Network work together to provide opportunities for vocational learners’.

These progression agreements will first be implemented in the Network priority areas: Health and Social Care (including Children’s and Young People’s Services) and Leadership, Management and Enterprise in Construction, Food and Drink and Creative Industries.

Network partners are now working together to map curriculum and assess barriers to student progression which may include lack of awareness of vocational qualifications and transition problems from college to university. Once identified, solutions will be developed such as visits to universities and developing study skills of vocational students.

Regent College has already been involved in a number of Health and Social Care progression activities on behalf of the Network. These activities have involved Aimhigher, Skills for Care, De Montfort University, University of Leicester and the University of Northampton. The activities included study skills seminars, university lecture/workshop, admission tutor events, a transitions session and workshops with Skills for Care ambassadors and college students.