Joint Venture Agreement Unites West Yorkshire Colleges

Colleges in West Yorkshire have signed a Joint Venture Agreement that unites the region’s further education sector.

The Agreement, signed at Kirklees College (pictured), symbolises the commitment from FE Colleges in West Yorkshire to work together to fulfil the region’s skills priorities and comes fully supported by the LEP and other key strategic partners.

The college partnership includes Bradford College, Calderdale College, Kirklees College, Leeds College of Building, Leeds City College, Shipley College and Wakefield College who, together, formed West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges (WYCC) in 2002. Since then, over £150m funding has been secured for training initiatives delivered across the region and beyond.

Vital Contributor

Ian Billyard, Chair of WYCC and Principal of Leeds College of Building explains "Further Education is a vital contributor to economic activity. The Joint Venture now elevates WYCC’s capabilities even further in terms of collaborative performance by being best placed to address the region’s skills priorities and provide the sustainable, long-term solutions needed.”

Louise Tearle, Partnership Director for West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges added “The Agreement powerfully demonstrates the next phase of partnership working for the Consortium. It will enhance the already extensive contribution made to assisting businesses and the positive impact on individuals and skill levels across the region.”

The Consortium are looking forward to working with partners and stakeholders across Leeds City Region on future opportunities that raise the bar on skills and support the region.

For more information visit www.westyorkshirecolleges.co.uk

Photo - back row, left to right: Andy Welsh, Chief Executive Officer, Bradford College; Colin Booth OBE, Principal& Chief Executive, Leeds City College; John Rees, Principal & Chief Executive, Calderdale College; Ian Billyard, Principal, Leeds College of Building;

Front row, left to right: Nav Chohan, Principal, Shipley College; Sam Wright, Principal, Wakefield College; Peter McCann, Principal & Chief Executive, Kirklees College.