Education alliance aims for ‘joined-up’ approach

A “landmark partnership” in North Wales is aiming to transform education and skills development across the region.

Four of the region’s top education providers have joined forces to create the North Wales Tertiary Alliance (NWTA), a new collaboration designed to strengthen post-16 education and drive economic growth. 

The founding members are Bangor University, Wrexham University, Coleg Cambria and Grŵp Llandrillo Menai.

Unveiled at the National Eisteddfod in Wrexham, the NWTA will work to create a more connected and inclusive education system, improving progression routes from further to higher education. 

The institutions have signed a four-year Memorandum of Understanding to deliver joint initiatives, align training with regional economic needs and foster greater innovation in research and skills development.

Officials say the NWTA will focus on key priorities including bilingual education, high-quality training pathways and collaboration with businesses and public sector organisations. 

They add that by combining resources and expertise, the group hopes to support learners at all stages – from school leavers to adult learners – and equip them for success in a fast-changing economy.

Yana Williams, chief executive of Coleg Cambria, said: “This collaboration brings together the scale and diversity of our institutions to enhance learner opportunities and serve the varied needs of North Wales.

“By aligning with the goals of MEDR, the new Commission for Tertiary Education and Research, we're committed to continuous improvement and a more joined-up education system.”

Aled Jones-Griffith, chief executive of Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, added: “We want to make it easier for young people to move from school into college and university, and for adults to re-engage with learning at any stage.

“This Alliance will help us support people into quality jobs and close the gap between vocational and academic routes.”

The NWTA also aims to strengthen ties with schools as the Curriculum for Wales rolls out, helping to inspire the next generation and prepare them for careers in key industries across North Wales and beyond.

Welcoming the move, Professor Edmund Burke, vice-chancellor of Bangor University, said: “By working closely together, we can ensure that we provide a wide range of opportunities for students, businesses and the region.

“The NWTA strengthens pathways and helps us to deliver a more accessible, flexible and future-ready education system.”

Professor Joe Yates, vice-chancellor of Wrexham University, added: “We’re united by the belief that collaboration unlocks solutions.

“This Alliance focuses on raising participation in higher-level skills, especially in underrepresented communities, and building the workforce needed in both the public and private sectors.”

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