UWE Bristol and Yeovil College forge partnership to address skilled worker shortfall in south west

The University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) and Yeovil College have formed a strategic partnership to deliver targeted programmes designed to address the region’s critical workforce shortages.

BSc (Hons) Social Work is the first course launched through the new partnership, a sector identified at both a national and regional level as having critically low workforce numbers. Delivered at Yeovil College and awarded by UWE Bristol, the programme will equip students with the skills to support society's most vulnerable people and will commence teaching in September 2026*, subject to approval by Social Work England.

Learners will also have access to placements throughout the course with local employers including local authorities and other third sector agencies. 

David Barrett, Director of Regional Engagement at UWE Bristol, said: “This partnership has long term benefits for the south west region. Our targeted approach to addressing current workforce challenges, particularly in the social care sector, ensures that the region is equipped to fill essential roles.

“By expanding UWE Bristol’s higher education provision across the south west, we’re able to better serve the region’s employers, helping our communities to thrive.”

The partnership was officially launched at an event at Yeovil College on 10 March, with Professor Marc Griffiths, UWE Bristol’s Pro-Vice Chancellor for Regional Partnerships, Engagement, Innovation, and Mark Bolton, Principal and CEO of Yeovil College.

While BSc (Hons) Social Work will be the first programme to be delivered through the partnership, both institutions intend this collaboration to extend well beyond a single course. Future provision is expected to span a range of subject areas aligned to regional skills needs, with potential programmes across health, education, business and design, ensuring the partnership remains responsive to employer demand and supports long-term workforce development across the south west.

Yeovil College is currently undertaking a £60m campus redevelopment, due for completion in 2027, which aims to position the college as a leading centre for innovation, skills development and industry partnerships.

Mark Bolton said: “Our partnership with UWE Bristol represents a powerful step forward for Yeovil College, for our students and for the wider south west region. By combining our local insight with UWE Bristol’s academic excellence, we are creating high quality pathways that meet the most urgent workforce needs. 

“The partnership is strategically important to us and is more than a transactional validation relationship. Our goal was to find a partner to support our broader ambitions of building a highly technically qualified workforce for sectors with key strengths and significant regional economic opportunities. 

“The launch of the BSc (Hons) Social Work programme is just the beginning; together, we are building a future pipeline of skilled, compassionate professionals who will make a meaningful difference in our communities.”

*BSc (Hons) Social Work is still subject to approval by Social Work England. Applications are open for the programme, with teaching due to begin in September 2026.