Education Minister, Bill Rammell said on Tuesday that increased partnership between further education and higher education institutions would lead to a 'bright new era of co-operation'.

Minister Rammell's comments came as he addressed the Further & Higher Education: Models of Co-operation NIACE Conference and outlined his 'vision' for a UK with 'the skills it needs to thrive'.

Mr Rammell said it was the Government's responsibility to widen and increase participation in Higher Education (HE) to all those with ability 'whatever their background or circumstance'.

To increase access, he said, Further Education (FE) colleges must play a key role in the delivery of higher education, as they were 'ideally placed' to understand and adapt to local needs. Further Education colleges could also build successful relationships with employers in their community, Mr Rammell added, and deliver training at work.

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