Working together to create a positive future

The West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges (WYCC) and its member colleges* have committed to a positive future with a renewed set of core principles this summer.

We respond

The consortium and the college principals have agreed that WYCC will continue to serve as a strategic driver for partnership work and collaborative skills projects in the region.

In the last two years, the colleges have come together through a collaborative approach led by WYCC to secure over £9million of investment in FE through the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF) and the Strategic Development Fund (SDF). These DfE funded projects continue to improve and enhance facilities and equipment, staff CPD, course development and knowledge within the sector. These projects were made possible by the collaborative response to the Government’s nationwide investment opportunity in digital and sustainable skills.

We connect

WYCC will continue to enable the collective connection and engagement from the colleges with key stakeholders such as the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA).

Since 2021, when West Yorkshire elected its first Mayor, WYCC has hosted annual mayoral dinners with the principals. This has allowed for open discussions on key skills issues, developing relationships and understanding and encouraging college representation at regional boards or groups such as the Green Jobs Taskforce. WYCC also plays an integral role in the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) board run by the Chambers of Commerce.

We grow

WYCC will maintain itself as the main voice for advocating and collaborating on behalf of FE colleges in West Yorkshire.

Together, West Yorkshire colleges have tackled a number of FE-wide issues together from visiting parliament to lobby for change to taking action on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDG college group was established by WYCC in 2022, is led by Shipley College and continues to meet, plan and share good practice across nine establishments in West Yorkshire to become more sustainable organisations.

We deliver

To attract substantial investment to the region, WYCC will ensure colleges join forces on projects that meet skills needs and quickly seize opportunities.

WYCC has scoped and worked with member colleges to deliver the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s (WYCA) DfE Skills Bootcamps and the locally-funded, Skills Connect adult courses in key skills and industries, contributing to the growth and needs of the local economy. The consortium works closely with WYCA to strengthen the links between education and employers meet skills needs across the region.

And … we evolve

As part of WYCC’s position within Luminate and from 1 August 2024, all contracts and agreements produced by the West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges will be issued by the identified lead colleges on behalf of WYCC and its members.

Over the coming months our new, additional Luminate brand will launch. This will provide services beyond the consortium as part of the team’s new venture to offer a number of key specialisms to meet the evolving needs of the skills industry.

The WYCC team is based at Leeds City College, Rothwell Centre in Leeds and is already delivering sustainability training for businesses at its Training Suite, ‘The Green Room’, and this offer will grow as part of the role within Luminate Education Group.

*Member Colleges: Bradford College, Calderdale College, Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, Kirklees College, Leeds College of Building, Luminate Education Group and Shipley College.