Grŵp Llandrillo Menai and Wrexham University…

The two institutions have committed to closer collaboration and alignment to develop clear pathways from further education to higher education and enhance skills development in the region.

The agreement will see the institutions work together to support students’ progression and widen access and participation – particularly in key workforce areas such as health and allied health, public services, and construction.

It comes just weeks after the two institutions – along with Coleg Cambria and Bangor University – officially launched the North Wales Tertiary Alliance (NWTA), a landmark partnership to fuel economic growth, enhance education and develop skills in the region.

The institutions will also work together to align their activity with regional economic priorities, including the North Wales Growth Deal, the Wrexham and Deeside Investment Zone, and wider UK and Welsh Government industrial and skills strategies, to drive economic growth and bolster their collective civic mission.

Staff from the university and college will also jointly collaborate with schools and communities to raise aspirations, strengthen outreach, and promote access to education and skills pathways for young people from all backgrounds.

The MoU formalises both institutions to leverage their strengths and harness their combined experience and resources. They aim to explore joint opportunities where their collective expertise adds value, including in health and social care pathways, distance learning, and applied research linked to the needs of the region.

Together, they will work to enhance bilingual and Welsh-medium opportunities, recognising the unique cultural context of Wales and the importance of the Welsh language and the nation’s wider workforce.

Professor Joe Yates, Vice-Chancellor of Wrexham University, said: “The signing of this MoU with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai is a hugely positive step forward for skills development and participation in further and higher education here in North Wales.

“Both of our institutions have an important role to play in improving life opportunities for young people from across North Wales and beyond, and this goal strongly aligns with our vision of being a world leading, modern civic university, that is regionally engaged, and delivers skills, which drives economic growth for the wellbeing of current and future generations.

“This partnership also aligns with the goals of Medr – the new Commission for Tertiary Education and Research, and we are delighted to be playing a key role in a more joined-up education system in our region.”

Paul Flanagan, Principal of Coleg Llandrillo and Executive Lead on Higher Education at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, said: “This partnership represents an exciting and important step forward for learners across North Wales. By strengthening our ties with Wrexham University, we are creating clearer, more accessible pathways into higher education, particularly in vital sectors such as health care, public services and construction.

At Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, we are proud to be part of a collaboration that not only raises aspirations but also delivers meaningful opportunities for all communities, through Welsh language and bilingual provision.”

Aled Jones-Griffith, Chief Executive of Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, added: “This Memorandum of Understanding formalises the excellent relationship we at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai have with Wrexham University. We hope this partnership continues to grow and develop over the coming years, as both institutions work collaboratively to ensure that learners can identify and follow clear career pathways, equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to support the emerging North Wales economy.

“I greatly value the work that Professor Yates has done during his tenure as Vice Chancellor, and I look forward to embracing the opportunity to develop additional projects with Wrexham University, including opportunities to share Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s expertise in Welsh language provision across a range of sectors”