Posted on 2 June 2010
Dr John Walters, Vice Chair Trinity Council, The Venerable Randolph Thomas, Chair Trinity Council, Dr Medwin Hughes, Mrs Tricia Carter, Chair UW Lampeter and Dr Brinley Jones, President UW Lampeter.
A new vision for post-16 education in South West Wales has been unveiled at the National Urdd Eisteddfod, Llanerchaeron, Ceredigion.
The vision is to establish a regional educational group comprising two universities and three FE colleges in South West Wales to create a dual sector group structure providing meaningful educational pathways, enhancing student choice and developing joint educational provision which responds to the needs of employers.
A declaration of intent is to be announced today between the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (created by 1 September by the merger of Trinity University College and the University of Wales Lampeter), Swansea Metropolitan University, Pembrokeshire College, Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion.
Dr Medwin Hughes, Vice-Chancellor Designate of UW Trinity Saint David, said “In addressing the various policy directives identified by the Welsh Assembly Government, the higher education sector in Wales faces major strategic challenges. The For Our Future strategy identifies the necessity to consider the implications of strategic partnerships and new reconfiguration models. This proposal builds upon the current reconfiguration already approved by the Welsh Assembly Government within the region with the creation of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David”.
He continued “The time is right to establish new educational structures which will transform the educational landscape. Wales needs to be innovative in its educational system and delivery frameworks in order to establish regional groupings which will enhance economic delivery, support social capital and drive forward greater regional post-16 educational pathways. In doing so, we will secure greater synergy in our skills delivery and establish far stronger strategic partnerships with business, employers and work-based learning providers”.
Professor David Warner, Vice-Chancellor of Swansea Metropolitan University, said “The possibility of both Swansea Metropolitan University and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David coming together within a new unified educational infrastructure is based upon a long standing tradition of collaboration and of sharing common values, mission and educational provision. Both universities focus upon a clear regional mission and deliver quality provision which enhances regional progression.”
Dr Medwin Hughes concluded “This statement of intent sets out a strategic context for change – the continuation of a journey which intends to radically transform post-16 education in South West Wales and deliver step change responsive to the educational, economic and social challenges of the region”.
/Ends
Notes to Editors:
Further information:-
Dr Medwin Hughes, UW Trinity Saint David (Eleri Beynon 07968 249 335)
Professor David Warner, Swansea Metropolitan (Tom Cadwalladr 01792 481000)
Glyn Jones, Principal Pembrokeshire College, 01437 753000
Brian Robinson, Principal Coleg Sir Gâr, 01554 748000
Andre Morgan, Principal Coleg Ceredigion, 01970 639700
Photo Opportunity: UW Trinity Saint David stand at Eisteddfod Maes 3pm Wednesday, 2 June
For more information on The University of Wales please visit: www.wales.ac.uk
For press and media information, please contact Tom Barrett, Communications Officer, University of Wales: t.barrett@wales.ac.uk