The ESF Widening Participation through Skills Project has been successful in receiving £1,500,000 as part of the 2014–2020 Growth Programme.
The Widening Participation through Skills Project aims to improve pathways from vocational programmes to higher education and to increase access for all to higher level skills training through innovative and flexible access routes which address barriers to participation. This project will particularly target those least likely to access HE including part-time employees, older workers and other disengaged and disadvantaged groups.
The project partnership is managed by the University of Plymouth. Delivery partners include Cornwall College, Truro and Penwith College, Exeter University and the Isles of Scilly Council. Small and niche providers can be supported by accessing the “flexible funding” pot which was launched in 2017 to support specific client groups and communities. To date this delegated grants scheme has resulted in engaging with three new delivery partners: Adult Education, Cornwall Council, Cornwall Neighbourhoods for Change and Cornwall Film Festival.