Regional Conference
LLNs Developing Professionals in the North West
23rd October 2007
Collaboration and communication were two aspects highlighted in rousing speeches at the first regional conference for lifelong learning networks (LLNs) in the North West.
Representatives from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), North West Development Agency (NWDA) and Foundation degree Forward (Fdf) addressed a 100-strong audience of LLN practitioners from across the region, urging them to continue delivering and promoting vocational learning by ensuring all agencies work together and to understand the needs of employers and employees.
The five LLNs operating in the North West (Cheshire & Warrington; Cumbria Higher Learning; Greater Manchester Strategic Alliance; Greater Merseyside & West Lancashire and the emerging Lancashire LLN) staged an inaugural practitioners conference at the JJB Stadium in Wigan, to share experience and practice and to identify new opportunities for the future.
Kevin Whitston, Head of Widening Participation at HEFCE – which funds the 29 LLNs nationally – identified the importance of LLNs highlighting the opportunities for progression to students. One of the strategic aims for all LLNs is to develop progression agreements to enable students of all ages to map a flexible route that will provide them with opportunities both academically and vocationally.
He added: “Students need to know what they can do with qualifications. There needs to be the same level of clarity [for vocational students] as there is for A-level students,” adding that this incorporates the provision of Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) as well as a clear indication of the routes students can take.
Kevin’s comments were preceded by excellent insights from Lis Smith, Director of Skills Policy at NWDA; Penny Blackie, Director of Regional Strategy at Foundation degree Forward (Fdf); and John Mumford, an employer representative who has held numerous senior posts at blue chip organisations such as BP and now runs his own consultancy business.
Lis set the scene with some concerning data regarding the productivity levels in the North West compared to other regions in the UK and that the NW also has the second highest percentage of working age population with no qualifications.
On a more positive note however, Lis illustrated how the NWDA is striving to address the issues raised in the Leitch Review and highlighted a number of targets for 2011 and 2014 that the North West is already making great strides towards.
For example, by 2011 it is expected that 56% of adults will be qualified to at least level 3 (A-level). Figures in the North West are currently 47.5% - well on the way to hitting the target.
There is also the aim of having 36% of adults qualified to level 4 or above by 2014 – in the North West this figure is already at 25% and rising. Data of this nature highlights that there is still a great deal of effort required to raise the levels of participation and achievement in education, but through initiatives such as LLNs and the support provided by agencies such as the NWDA, progress will continue to be made in the North West.
Penny Blackie highlighted how Fdf is working with LLNs, mapping sectors for regional priorities; identifying and developing Fds across the region; and brokering cross LLN/region partnerships.
Penny urged LLNs to utilise the support made available by Fdf to fund work-based learning elements and crucial employer engagement elements – including through links with Chambers of Commerce.
To date, Fdf has funded 18 projects for growth in the North West by offering incentives to employers and is also working closely with Unionlearn and trade unions to offer IAG to employees.
John Mumford added a different perspective to proceedings by approaching the issue of vocational learning from the employer’s viewpoint. He identified the importance of a holistic approach that doesn’t just concentrate on the needs of employers, but also employees. They are the ones who will be undertaking the training.
He added that Universities and Colleges engage with employers in different ways and that Colleges are usually more successful. Despite this, there are several advantages that Universities possess – well branded qualifications and the best quality lecturers – and that collaboration between the two is the key. Consequently there is a clear role for LLNs to facilitate this and act as the broker between employers and providers.
John also questioned the excessive use of the terms ‘vocational’ and ‘skills’, suggesting that they have become expressions that can prove a turn-off to employers. He asked delegates from LLNs, Colleges and Universities to consider the term ‘professional’ as an alternative to engaging more effectively with employers and employees.
John closed by saying: “The workplace is an important focus of natural learning. The challenge is to recognise that learning through the pathways to higher education (HE) qualifications and make the vocational route to HE a reality.”
Two workshop sessions were an integral part of the conference as delegates had the opportunity to find out more about developments in the North West and share best practice and shape future activity. The sessions looked at Employer Partnerships; Developing Provision; Progression Opportunities; and Supporting and Advising Vocational Learners and Stakeholders.
Kevin Whitston also stressed the importance of LLNs working together and learning from one another. He analysed the level of involvement that LLNs have with Sector Skills Councils and urged LLNs to continue to develop workable links to ensure that LLNs remain incorporated in sector skills agreements and are involved with employer engagement projects.
Kevin also highlighted the forthcoming 14-19 diplomas, stressing that LLNs must play a role in curriculum development and progression, encouraging universities to embrace the new concept and ensure that there are progression opportunities for students.
Rhiannon Evans, Pro Vice-Chancellor at Edge Hill University – the lead partner of the LLN in Merseyside – summarised by encouraging delegates – all of whom are involved with LLNs across the North West in different capacities – to be proud of the progress already underway and to continue to work with employers, with employees, with Sector Skills Councils and most importantly collaboratively to develop new opportunities for individuals of all ages to access higher education, become more productive and make a difference in the North West.
Conference & Workshop Presentations
Guest Speaker Presentations:
- Rhiannon Evans – Introduction (ppt)
- Lis Smith – LLNs and Higher Level Skills: A Northwest Perspective (ppt)
- Penny Blackie – Working with employers to develop HE provision that supports the higher level skills needs (ppt)
- John Mumford – Employer HE Partnerships – What works well and what needs to improve (ppt)
- Kevin Whitston – Planning ahead: Sustainability and the role of LLNs in supporting employer engagement, 14-19 Diploma (ppt)
Workshops: