Bristol Skills Alliance Solution launched to boost employment in city

UWE Bristol has partnered with Weston College to help boost employment in the city and open up education opportunities for adults without a Level 3 qualification.

The Bristol Skills Alliance Solution provides access to free courses, excellent facilities and Ofsted ‘outstanding’ further education teaching.

The courses will support people in the Bristol area who are looking to retrain, upskill or progress on to university, as well as potentially helping those affected by the pandemic get back into employment.

The new initiative begins with a selection of courses, covering a variety of subject areas such as accounting and management, and are available for people aged 19+ who do not already have a Level 3 qualification.

Students will receive a mixture of classroom-based lectures from Weston College staff at UWE Bristol’s Frenchay campus, as well as online learning and support available via a tutor.

The courses, which begin in June, and all associated examination fees are free - provided individuals live in the South West of England.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Steve West said: “We are delighted to be supporting the lifelong learning skills agenda. The opportunities offered by Weston College and UWE Bristol build on the quality and expertise of both institutions. By working together we can offer more access to the city region to help build stronger employment and education opportunities for everyone.”

These courses have been made available as part of the government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee, through the National Skills Fund, which was launched in April this year to provide learners aged 19+ to access their first full Level 3 qualification (equivalent to an A Level) for free.

Dr Paul Phillips, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College said: “This partnership builds on an education offer with a focus on Level 3 skills and strengthens our longstanding partnership with UWE Bristol. Together we will be at the forefront to enable the Bristol community to access this funding and open doors to new and better jobs.”

For further information please visit the Weston College website.