Prime Highlights:

• Wrexham University and Grŵp Llandrillo Menai have signed a new MoU to strengthen education pathways, improve skills development, and widen access to learning opportunities across North Wales.
• The partnership will focus on key sectors like health, public services, and construction, while supporting bilingual and Welsh-medium education.

Key Facts:

• The alliance aims to boost regional economic growth and help students gain the skills needed for local jobs.
• The MoU encourages smoother transitions from further education to higher education, ensuring clearer pathways for learners.

Background:

Wrexham University and Grŵp Llandrillo Menai (GLM) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen education pathways, improve skills, and widen access to learning opportunities across North Wales.

The agreement aims to bring the two institutions closer together, making it easier for learners to move from further education to higher education. It will help students transition smoothly from college to university while gaining the skills needed for local workforce demands.

Under the MoU, both institutions will work together to support student progression and increase participation, especially in key areas like health and allied health, public services, and construction. The partnership also seeks to improve life chances for young people from diverse backgrounds by removing barriers to education and training.

The signing follows the recent launch of the North Wales Tertiary Alliance (NWTA), a major partnership involving Wrexham University, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, Coleg Cambria and Bangor University. The alliance aims to grow the economy, improve education, and help people gain the skills needed for jobs in the region.

It also focuses on Welsh and bilingual education, highlighting Wales’ culture and the increasing value of Welsh language skills in different sectors.

Professor Joe Yates, Vice-Chancellor of Wrexham University, described the MoU as a positive step for the region. He said the partnership would help improve participation in further and higher education while supporting the university’s civic mission to deliver skills that drive economic growth and long-term wellbeing.

Paul Flanagan, Principal of Coleg Llandrillo and Executive Lead for Higher Education at GLlM, said the collaboration would create more accessible and clearly defined routes into higher education, particularly in areas where skilled professionals are most needed.

GLlM Chief Executive Aled Jones-Griffith added that the agreement formalises an already strong relationship between the two institutions. He said the partnership would continue to develop in the coming years, helping learners identify clear career pathways and supporting the evolving North Wales economy, while also sharing expertise in Welsh language provision.

The MoU highlights a shared commitment to a more joined-up education system that supports learners, employers and communities across North Wales.

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