A new Futureskills partnership has been launched to reshape Northamptonshire’s approach to training, education and workforce development. The collaboration brings together the University of Northampton, Moulton College and Northampton College to align skills provision with the needs of local employers. The initiative also supports the county’s long-term economic priorities, with a focus on key sectors including advanced manufacturing, clean energy, construction, digital, logistics and health.
The three institutions have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that commits them to working as a single, coordinated network. Together, they will offer clearer learning routes from entry level to degree and postgraduate study. Additionally, the partnership will focus on adult retraining to help people gain new skills throughout their careers.
Professor Anne-Marie Kilday, vice-chancellor and chief executive at the University of Northampton, said the approach will give learners greater access to high-quality education while helping businesses recruit the talent they need. She said the joined-up model responds directly to employer demand across the county.
Oliver Symons, principal and chief executive of Moulton College, said the partnership combines strong technical and vocational expertise with the university’s research strengths. He said this connection between education and industry will support individual development and make it easier for employers to find skilled staff.
Jason Lancaster, principal and chief executive of Northampton College, said Northamptonshire has a major opportunity to prepare its workforce for “the jobs of tomorrow”. He added that learners will benefit from clearer pathways from school through to higher education and into employment. Lancaster said the strategy will help build a confident, agile workforce and attract new employers to the county.
A Tripartite Skills Board will oversee the delivery of the strategy and ensure alignment with regional and national priorities. These include the Local Skills Improvement Plan, the East Midlands Combined County Authority growth agenda and the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy. Furthermore, the board will work closely with employers to design training that meets real-time industry needs.
The partnership was formally launched on Monday 17 November at Northampton College and chaired by Northampton South MP Mike Reader. By 2027, the partners aim to increase learner progression between institutions, expand employer-led courses and position Northamptonshire as a national example of effective skills collaboration.
More information is available at northampton.ac.uk.
