Colleges and university launch skills initiative

Moulton College, Northampton College and the University of Northampton will jointly deliver Futureskills Northamptonshire

A major new partnership between two colleges and a university will help deliver "the jobs of tomorrow", a principal said.

The partnership, called Futureskills Northamptonshire, will see Northampton College, Moulton College and the University of Northampton work closer together, to expand opportunities for local people to develop skills.

The institutions have signed a memorandum of understanding, which will see Futureskills Northamptonshire coordinate education and training provision from entry level, to degree and postgraduate study.

Prof Anne-Marie Kilday, University of Northampton's vice chancellor, said it would "help power the region's economy" by matching education to employers' needs.

Advanced manufacturing, clean energy, construction, health, digital and logistics are all mentioned as "key sectors" that will benefit from Futureskills Northamptonshire.

Prof Kilday said: "This new way of working, more closely and collaboratively with the county's colleges, shows how Northamptonshire is leading the way, responding to the needs of learners and business alike."

'Truly joined-up'

The partnership was formally launched at Northampton College on Monday and will aim to increase the number of learners progressing between the education institutions.

It will also focus on expanding opportunities for adults to retrain and upskill, while supporting the county's economic priorities.

Oliver Symons, the principal of Moulton College, said: "Futureskills Northamptonshire will bring together our shared expertise in technical and vocational education with the research and innovation strengths of the university.

"Together, we will build a truly joined-up approach to skills development that connects education with industry, supports individual aspirations and helps employers recruit and retain the skilled people they need."

Jason Lancaster, principal of Northampton College, said: "This partnership ensures we're not working in isolation but as a united network – creating clear pathways from school to college, university and beyond, and giving learners the confidence and skills to thrive in high-growth sectors."