The heads of Lancaster University and Lancaster & Morecambe College have pledged to work together to benefit people living in the local area.

After signing a memorandum of understanding on 12 August, the two institutions intend to develop activities and carry out research which will bring the local community together, trigger economic regeneration and enhance educational provision.

Apprenticeship opportunities and extended work placements for College students in University settings will also be developed and there are plans to establish a physical University presence at the College campus.

The University and College, together with experts from Eden Project North and in partnership with local schools and colleges across the area, will develop the ‘Morecambe Bay Curriculum’ to promote green, technical, vocational and professional pathways to University. The Curriculum will help to provide the skills and knowledge needed by employers, build capacity to develop responsible and sustainable new green enterprises and support regional graduate retention.

Lancaster University Vice-Chancellor Professor Andy Schofield welcomed the new partnership, saying “I am delighted to be taking our partnership with Lancaster & Morecambe College to the next level by signing this Memorandum. The University sees itself as part of a ladder of opportunity for all and by partnering with the College we will be able to make that available to a wider range of local people. The College has a fantastic set of relationships with local employers and shapes its skills training according to their needs and insight. The University’s contribution in this will, I hope, enhance that by playing our part in the development of the Morecambe Bay Curriculum and in the Eden North Project – all as part of our responsibilities as a civic university.”

The Principal and Chief Executive of Lancaster & Morecambe College Wes Johnson said: “As anchor organisations within our District, I am delighted that we have agreed a joint memorandum to benefit the communities we serve. During my three years at the College our relationship with the University has evolved quickly based on a shared set of values, as represented in our work to construct and develop the Morecambe Bay Curriculum. Despite the challenges that 2020 has brought to all communities, I am hugely optimistic in looking to the future and excited by the opportunities our partnership will bring to the region.”