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The Learning and Work Institute are exploring ways to boost demand for higher technical education – get involved

Boost higher level tech in the Heart of the South West information with robot image

Manufacturing and Engineering employers, training providers and other key stakeholders are invited to participate in a project exploring ways to boost demand for higher-level technical education.

Be part of the study:

    1. Participate in a 1:1 telephone or online interview – around 30-40 minutes at a time to
      suit you.
    2. Join the Learning and Work Institutes online workshop on Tuesday 25 August (90 minute session)
    3. Join the Learning and Work Institutes online workshop in September (date TBC)

Details:

The Heart of the South West LEP is pleased to be one of only two areas in the country working with the Learning and Work Institute (L&W) to explore ways to boost demand for higher technical education at Level 4 and 5 and create provision to meet this demand. L&W has been commissioned by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation to do this study.

This project comes at an exciting time of change in higher technical education, with the Education Secretary recently announcing measures to increase the take-up and improve the quality of this provision. The government is also planning to publish a White Paper in the autumn, which will set out plans to reforms to build a world-class further education system in Britain. The Department for Education is engaged with this project, and its findings will help to inform their policy thinking. The insights will be particularly important as we consider how the Heart of the South West can recover from the impacts of Covid-19 and could also form the basis of a demonstration pilot.

Here in the Heart of the South West, the project will focus on Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering. As a key stakeholder your views are really important, and we invite you to take this opportunity to shape the future learning and development offer for your sector. Training providers, employers and other key stakeholders can all take part to ensure the full range of views are captured.[gap height=”30px”]

[button text=”Register your interest” link=”mailto:emily.jones@learningandwork.org.uk” style=”secondary”]

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      David Ralph

      Chief Executive

      David Ralph started as Chief Executive of Heart of South West LEP at the beginning of June 2018. Previously, he had spent 5 years as CEO of the Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire (D2N2) LEP from 2013 where he oversaw the development of the D2N2 Strategic Economic Plan and sector strategies, 3 Growth Deals with HM Government to deliver a £1billion capital investment programme, securing and implementing £200m ESIF programme, the Derby and Nottingham Enterprise Zone, the D2N2 Skills Deal and Time for Innovation programme, community fund and led the executive team to develop the HS2 East Midlands hub. He was also closely involved in the proposed North Midlands Devolution Deal and one of the key architects in establishing the Midlands Engine, chairing the officer steering group. Whilst in this role David was a NED of the Nottingham Enterprise Zone, and Marketing NG, the Outer Estates Foundation and a Governor of Nottingham College and on the advisory Board of Nottingham Business School.

      Before the East Midlands, David was CEO of the Have Gateway Partnership working closely with local stakeholders including the ports of Felixstowe, Harwich and Ipswich and BT Adadastral Park across Suffolk and Essex and prior to that was Chief Exec of the Barton Hill New Deal for Communities programme in Bristol and the Nelm Development Trust in Norwich.

      David is a keen sailor, walker and trail runner.