ST HELENS College has joined a multimillion pound scheme aimed at encouraging more young people into higher education to gain a university degree.

The college is collaborating with 200 local and regional higher education institutions on the £22m project which is set to reach 4,300 secondary schools and colleges.

The National Network for Collaborative Outreach (NNCO) launched the national campaign, which will see schools, colleges and universities working together to highlight the benefits of higher education to young people.

To achieve the campaign’s vision, St Helens College has joined forces with with Chester University, Hope University, Edge Hill, LIPA, Liverpool John Moores, Riverside College, Liverpool College and Wirral Metropolitan College.

Julia Callaghan, from St Helens College, explained: “The college has joined forces with other local and regional colleges and universities to further promote the benefit and relevance of higher education to all our young people no matter their background.“It is important to educate all young people of the advantages that attaining a higher level qualification can bring and to inform them of all the options available to them after completing Level 3 qualifications such as BTEC’s, Advanced Apprenticeships and A levels.

“It is an objective embedded within the college’s statement of aims to support the local and regional economy by providing a skilled and talented workforce for tomorrow. The college’s vision and mission is to provide first class HE provision which is affordable and accessible to many which can provide the foundations for a successful career.”

To find out more about the higher education courses at St Helens College call 0800 996699 or visit sthelens.ac.uk/he.