1.1.2011
Raising Aspirations
This application is made by the University of Plymouth on behalf of the CUC partnership. It has responded to the ESF Raising Aspirations Programme call for proposals which was published in the Autumn. The project also has key partners from the voluntary and community sector as well as the Trade Unions.
The Raising Aspirations Programme will address 4 key priorities:
1. Targeting disadvantaged groups and individuals
a) Employed Adults
The Programme will deliver a specific range of interventions to engage with employed adults. Particular attention will be paid to those from social housing, part time employees and the low paid. The TUC and CN4C will help the Programme engage with employed adults and advise on access HE, offer taster sessions etc.
CUC partners will also engage directly with SMEs to help overcome misconceptions around flexibility of delivery and vocational relevance.
b) Unemployed Adults / Voluntary Workforce
Many people who are unemployed can have a number of barriers and thus the option of HE can look almost impossible. This project will seek to engage with individuals and help raise awareness of HE and provide practical support around e.g. funding options.
c) Disadvantaged neighbourhoods
The project currently only lists CN4C as a voluntary and community sector partner. Given the wide scope and geography of the activities we would strongly suggest that this partnership is widened to give as many people as possible access to the Programme.
2. Developing Pathways from level 3 vocational programmes to foundation degree and above.
a) Apprenticeship Pathways
b) Meeting current and emerging business needs
The matching of economic growth sectors to training opportunities will be critical in delivering a successful pathway to higher education. Particular attention will be paid to areas such as ‘green jobs’.
3. Co-ordination of widening participation in schools
The AimHigher Programme is ending in July 2011 which means the co-ordinated approach of widening participation activity in schools will decrease significantly. Through the ESF funding a limited amount of support will be given to continue some of this activity.
Applicant to confirm that it will use the funding to work with schools with the lowest uptake of HE.
4. Enabling Fund to remove barriers to participation
This fund will be used to reduce/remove barriers to participation such as travel, childcare and books
In addition to the four key work areas above, the Programme will also seek to promote ‘Raising Aspirations’ through the Cornwall Residents Forum. They will also work with other umbrella organisations such as the Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum.
For further information
Related links
03.11.11 Health and Wellbeing Taster
Who's paying for this?
A - ESF - £750,000
B - CUC - £250,000
Match activity provided by: CUC
Investment overview
Investment theme: Developing our people
View other investments within the theme Developing our people.
European investment from: ESF
Cross cutting themes
Equality and Diversity
All partners have comprehensive equal opportunities policies in place. The partnership will take a proactive approach in embedding good practice in the project, through the Management Group who will monitor & report against targets for uptake of training & job opportunities by women, those with disabilities & those from ethnic minorities. The project will adopt an equal opportunities code of practice based on good practice established in other ESF funded CUC partnership projects.
Many of the interventions identified within the application clearly contribute towards the delivery of the ESF Framework.
Equal opportunity monitoring will be the responsibility of the partnership. Data collected will be used to identify trends and gaps in provision.
Full and detailed responses have been provided in relation to Equality and Diversity.
Environmental Cross Cutting Theme
University of Plymouth, as lead applicant, will have responsibility for ensuring and monitoring the integration of the sustainable development cross-cutting theme into the Raising Aspirations programme. In accordance with the Convergence Operational Programme (2007-2013) and the Government’s sustainable development strategy, the Raising Aspirations programme will address the cross cutting theme of sustainable development through two perspectives:
Recognising the potential impact of economic regeneration on the environment
Recognising the potential economic benefit that the environment can bring
