Liverpool John Moores University and Hugh Baird College partner to boost skills and social mobility

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and Hugh Baird College in Bootle have agreed a partnership to help meet regional skills needs and improve social mobility in the Liverpool City Region. 

The two organisations have signed an agreement to work together on activities to boost employability and skills among young people, focusing on clear pathways from school into further and higher education and employment, especially in deprived areas.

The partnership will focus on construction and the built environment, with plans to train young people for jobs based on industry and local needs. 

This will tackle skills gaps and support wider initiatives such as the collaboration between the Combined Authority and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

Liverpool John Moores University and Hugh Baird College will also work on a model to help industry specialists move into teaching, training young people for roles in childcare and special educational needs and disabilities.

There will be a focus on widening participation, using the experience of both organisations to reach more young people in deprived parts of the city region.

Mark Power, vice-chancellor of LJMU, said: “I’m delighted to formalise our partnership with our friends and colleagues at Hugh Baird College. 

“We already work closely together and have strategic links aimed at providing extended outreach to students.