The new programme powering upskilling across the West of England

Media Relations Team, 18 January 2024

A woman in a white coat fixes two pieces of metal together

UWE Bristol have launched a new programme aimed at upskilling workers across the West of England, which aims make it easier to access the knowledge and expertise to boost their careers.

The Skills Pathway Programme (SPP) is a flexible, challenge-led programme that spans the construction, manufacturing, engineering, and legal services sectors. Consisting of short, flexible modules, the programme is designed to integrate into working days – making upskilling more accessible to those already in employment and allowing learning to be applied in real time.

Through an initial needs assessment, learners will join one of our four pathways: specialised industry, sustainability, collaborative working, or leadership. They will also be paired with a dedicated, industry-specialist mentor to support them in their new expertise and to navigate the challenges faced in the real-world business environment.

Funded through Metro Mayor Dan Norris’ Mayoral Priority Skills Fund, the SPP aims to support over 80 individuals working in small and medium size enterprises (SME) in the region. It is hoped that the programme’s direct focus on SMEs will contribute towards economic growth in the West of England. The project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Tracey John, Director of Research, Business and Innovation at UWE Bristol and project sponsor said: “We are excited to be able to offer further focused skills support for individuals in the region, to address the essential skills required by these sectors and support regional growth.

“Our expert team will work with individuals to identify skills gaps and develop a bespoke programme of learning.”

Applications are open now to those who:

  • live in the West of England (Bath and North-East Somerset, Bristol, and South Gloucestershire)
  • work for an SME organisation in the manufacturing, engineering, construction or legal sector.

Find out more about the Skills Pathway Programme here

The West of England Combined Authority, led by Metro Mayor Dan Norris, is working in partnership with UWE Bristol to deliver the Mayoral Priority Skills Fund. This fund provides flexible grant to meet current priority skills gaps in the region. This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Partners and funders

  • Logo saying Funded by UK Government with the UK coat of arms above
  • Levelling Up logo
  • West of England Combined Authority logo
  • Dan Norris West of England Metro Mayor logo
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