our goal is TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE IMPROVEMENT OF EDUCATION & SKILLS ACROSS THE NORTH OF ENGLAND THROUGH ADVOCACY, ENGAGEMENT AND ACTION
NORTHERN SKILLS NETWORK
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ABOUT THE NORTHERN SKILLS NETWORK
The Northern Skills Network (NSN) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to representing and advocating for training and education providers across the North of England.
OUR VISION
Aligned with the Northern Powerhouse agenda, NSN is passionate about enhancing productivity and prosperity in the North. We aim to elevate skill levels for both young people entering the workforce and current employees seeking further development.
Through our collaborative efforts, we strive to make a significant impact on the region’s economic growth and success.
OUR MISSION
Our primary mission is to promote the interests of our member networks and to serve as a unified voice for skills development across the North. We are committed to advancing vocational and technical education, including all funded training provision, and highlighting their value to employers and key stakeholders.
OUR MEMBERS
NSN comprises eight provider networks from various regions, including North East, Tees Valley, Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Greater Merseyside, Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, and Cheshire and Warrington.
Collectively, we represent over 400 Training Providers, of all types, including FE Colleges, ITPs, VCSE Organisations, Local Authorities, Employer Providers, and more!
The Northern Skills Network was developed to provide a single, united voice to the post-16 skills providers and agenda across the North and since our launch in 2020, we have successfully positioned NSN to be that exact voice. By working collaboratively & collectively across the North, we provide the reach, breadth and currency on the provision, challenges, needs and successes our members face daily, and we aid them by bringing these to the table with local, regional & national policy makers and funders. I have been proud to act as the co-chair for the last 3 years and help shape the impact our collective voice has. Through advocacy, joint action and collaboration on events, forums and research we are influencing positive change and shining a light on the ongoing improvements needed to support our learners, employers and communities across the North of England.
8 NETWORKS, 1 AGENDA
To enhance the skills system across the north of England
OUR PRIORITIES
Future Skills Landscape
NSN understands the challenges and opportunities that effect our regional networks, members and post-16 skills system across the North of England. There are activities we know that will affect the sector and elements we are not yet aware of. The NSN’s responsibility is to identify, collaborate and respond on the key areas of affect.
Future Proofing the Provider Base
The FE Sector is currently facing staff recruitment and retention crisis, FE Providers are struggling to recruit new staff to the sector and retain them when in role. Providers need high quality staff to deliver a wide range of high quality vocational education, online learning and training. There is also a need for greater alignment between industry and Further Education to optimise the learning experience for learners and apprentices. NSN members are working on local initiatives to support the FE Sector to recruit and retain high quality staff. The best practice and continuous learning will be shared through NSN.
Demand for Skills Across the North - People, Places and Businesses
Across the North we are inherently aware of the critical need to improve productivity, boost economic growth, encourage innovation, create good jobs, enhance educational attainment, and renovate the social and cultural fabric of our Northern regions to ensure equality in our nation’s opportunity & success.
The Northern Skills Network and its regional partners are uniquely positioned to support devolution and greater local skills based programmes and demand on a range of topics. We will complete provider consultation on greater devolved needs, the future of education and local skills provision and supporting MCA colleagues with the roll out of existing and new skills programmes to develop careers and career pathways.
Advocate, Exchange and Meet
The NSN will lead, working together with regional networks and partners, in a series of policy pieces as set by the board. Covering key priorities and addressing skills needs, gaps, analysis and developments to ensure our network & its members are a key partner in developing & influencing skills for the North.
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