YOUNG people in the area could benefit from a higher education centre in Salisbury if a Wiltshire College bid for new university funding is successful.

The ‘New University Challenge’ is a government initiative to improve access to higher education by funding 20 new centres across England.

Wiltshire, being one of the few counties in England without a university, is in a strong position to compete and Wiltshire College is hoping to be at the centre of local economic regeneration.

The college hopes to develop the new centre at Salisbury to expand provision in line with demand from local people and businesses.

The initiative is being managed by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and the University of Bath has lodged an initial expression of interest on behalf of the partnership the college has established to oversee the project.

The partnership is made up of significant local employers and local organisations, as well as the universities that surround Wiltshire.

The college is already working with companies from the Salisbury Research Triangle to help them address skills shortages in specific areas, and together they will develop degree courses that existing employees can study flexibly as part of a work-based learning programme.

Di Dale, Principal of Wiltshire College, said: “The partnerships involved in this proposal are truly committed to developing the potential of learners in Wiltshire.

“We need to ensure they will have the opportunity to acquire the skills they and employers in Wiltshire will need to succeed in the future.”

Jane Scott, leader of Wiltshire County Council, said: “The proposal is a good example of partnership working which will bring significant benefits and opportunities to many Wiltshire residents and to the wider region.”