The report, 'Delivering a joined-up post-16 skills system', highlights Sheffield Hallam's regional collaboration agreement with the South Yorkshire Colleges Partnership as a leading example of how universities and colleges can work together to address regional skills challenges and support economic growth.
Launched in January 2024 following the success of the establishment of a South Yorkshire Institute of Technology (SYIoT), the partnership brings together Sheffield Hallam University with Barnsley College, DN Colleges Group, RNN Group, and The Sheffield College to deliver a more coordinated approach to higher technical education across the region.
The collaboration has already secured £1.3 million from the government's Higher Technical Education Skills Injection Fund to support the delivery of Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) across South Yorkshire, with partners working together to establish clear pathways for learners and create economies of scale for future projects.
Key achievements of the Sheffield Hallam partnership include:
- Joint design and delivery of HTQs through collaborative 'deep dive' workshops
- Co-creation of new qualifications, including a HTQ Youth Practitioner programme
- Improved progression pathways, with Sheffield Hallam adjusting entry requirements to better align with partner college provision
- More coordinated regional responses to funding opportunities, avoiding duplication
Dan Lally, Deputy Chief Operating Officer at Sheffield Hallam University, said: "We're delighted that our partnership with South Yorkshire colleges has been recognised in this important national report. By putting collaboration at the heart of our approach we're better able to serve our students, support local employers, and drive economic prosperity across the region.
“This partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when institutions come together with a shared commitment to developing a world-class regional skills system that truly meets the needs of our communities."
The Universities UK and Association of Colleges report comes in response to the Prime Minister's ambition for two-thirds of young people to achieve a higher-level qualification by age 25, whether through degrees, higher technical qualifications or apprenticeships.
The report emphasises that such partnerships are essential to creating a more coherent, flexible and learner-focused skills system that responds effectively to both local and national needs.
