Further education colleges unite to prepare the workforce for the region’s future 

Thousands of new jobs are expected to be created across our region over the next decade. But who will have the skills to fill them? 

The area between Oxford and Cambridge is set to see major investment over the coming years, with projects including East West Rail, Universal Studios, new homes and new communities. Together, these developments make up the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor, a long-term programme designed to boost economic growth, create jobs and attract investment across the region. But investment alone won’t deliver those ambitions. It will also require a skilled workforce. 

That’s why Cambridge Regional College has joined six other leading further education colleges to form the Further Education Skills Alliance (FESA).

A joined-up approach to future skills 

The alliance is already working with Skills England, employers, local and national government, and universities to understand the skills businesses will need and how colleges can prepare learners for those opportunities. By working together, the colleges can plan ahead, share expertise and respond more quickly to changing skills needs. 

For learners, that means courses shaped around the skills employers are looking for. 

For employers, it creates a stronger partnership with colleges to help develop the workforce they need. 

For local communities, it means more opportunities for people to gain valuable skills and access the jobs being created across the region.

The partnership 

Cambridge Regional College is proud to be one of the seven founding members of FESA, with Principal and CEO Mark Robertson serving as Chair of the alliance.

The founding members are: 

• Abingdon and Witney College  

• Activate Learning  

• Bedford College Group  

• Buckinghamshire College Group  

• Cambridge Regional College  

• Inspire Education Group  

• Milton Keynes College Group  

The partnership is also supported through the Government’s Technical Excellence College (TEC) programme, with Bedford College Group leading on construction and Milton Keynes College Group leading on digital skills. Together, they will share specialist expertise across the partnership, helping all seven colleges continue to deliver high-quality training for the industries driving growth across the region.  

“Since FESA was formed, we’ve seen significant interest from government, employers and education partners who recognise the important role further education has to play in the future of the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor. By working together, we’re creating a stronger, more coordinated approach to developing the skills our region needs, while opening up new opportunities for the people and communities we serve.” 

Mark Robertson, Chair of FESA and Principal & CEO of Cambridge Regional College 

This is just the beginning 

FESA is still in its early stages, but the partnership is already working with employers, government and education partners to help shape the region’s future workforce. 

We’ll be sharing more about FESA over the coming months as the partnership develops and the opportunities for our learners, employers and communities continue to grow.