Funded by the European Social Fund (ESF), the Reach Higher contract (£3.5m) strives to widen participation in higher level skills through a
programme of activities. These are co-designed by employers that will attract
and engage new participants onto higher level courses. This will enable more
qualified individuals who can fill the skills gaps in employment in key sectors
in the Leeds City Region.
The project is targeted specifically at individuals from HE cold spots, deprived areas and those with the potential to progress. Reach Higher will increase skill levels, encourage progression in employment and ultimately supporting economic growth within the Leeds City Region as a result of improved productivity.
Reach Higher is delivered alongside partner colleges, universities and private providers on the following:
- Conversion Programmes use sector knowledge and expertise to deliver an essential springboard for participants looking to take an alternative career path in sectors where there are prolific skills gaps. Delivering compilations of short courses at Level 3 and above that deliver specific technical skills in;
- Widening Participation activities are designed to help remove the barriers to progressing into HE for those from most disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Rail
- Advanced Manufacturing
- FinTech
- Medical Technology
- Chemicals
- Film and TV Production
Project Impact
- Increase skills levels to stimulate progression in employment
- Increase the volume of individuals with technical and job-specific skills in subject areas relevant to the priority sectors of Leeds City Region
- Amass the number of females progressing into Higher Education in Science, Technology, and Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects
- Support individuals from the most disadvantaged backgrounds to participate in higher level education and training to progress into/in work.
Commissions/Tenders
Details of any WYCC commissions are advertised and managed through the In-tend website, where you must register to access the opportunities and to be considered for specialist delivery.
