In Autumn 2006, HEFCE agreed to fund three Higher Level Skills pathfinder projects to explore and embed shared strategies for higher education (HE) provision and workforce development skills between HE providers and employers. The pathfinders link into the existing regional infrastructure that connects employers to HE provision, including the Government's integrated brokerage scheme, Train to Gain. This pathfinder work will therefore contribute towards the vision of a seamless skills service for employers, as outlined in the further education White Paper 'Further Education: Raising Skills, Improving Life Chances'.
Each regional pathfinder has development resources and additional student numbers to help build the capacity in their institutions to respond flexibly to employer needs and the initiative is led by the Higher Education Regional Associations in the three pathfinder regions.
The conference will look to disseminate lessons learnt and best practice from all three Pathfinders.