What is the LLN?
The Cheshire and Warrington Lifelong Learning Network (LLN) is a partnership of providers who design and deliver Foundation Degrees tailored to the needs of our sub-region. These part and full time qualifications all involve learning which is relevant to the workplace and fall within 7 broad vocational areas:
- Business, Enterprise and Public Services
- Creative and Cultural Industries
- Engineering
- Environment and Bio-Sciences
- Health and Social Care
- Information and Communication Technology
- Sport, Health and Education
The LLN is committed to enabling adults and young people to realise their full potential through flexible vocational learning opportunities which recognise and build on existing experience and knowledge. Learning becomes part of both working and living.
The LLN aims to promote clear pathways and comprehensive progression routes leading into these Foundation Degrees from other provision, whether through colleges, employers or other providers of education and training.
The University of Chester and the six Further Education Colleges in Cheshire and Warrington are working together with a wide range of other organisations, including local authorities, the voluntary sector, private training providers and employers, Aimhigher and Connexions.
This partnership aims to map out vocational learning pathways for young and adult learners in education or in employment, and enable them to progress to higher level work-related knowledge and skills through Foundation Degrees.
Recent government figures show that almost 47,000 students are currently studying for foundation degrees. Approximately half are studying part time as part of their occupational training or development. Each year, the growing scope and variety of foundation degrees broaden in their appeal to employers, who increasingly recognise that foundation degree graduates are equipped with skills that have been tailored to fit in with their work and business.