The Sussex Learning Network (SLN) came into being in September 2005. It is a partnership of universities, colleges, training providers and guidance agencies who together want to transform the opportunities for vocational learners in Sussex.

Our aim is to offer learners the chance to benefit from higher education wherever they live or work in Sussex. This means employees, employers,  professionals working in higher or further education or individuals thinking about developing or changing their career. From May 2009, we have entered a new phase in our development and now concentrate on two projects:

• Centre for Work and Learning is creating a collaborative and coherent approach to employer engagement, and delivering innovative work-related and work-based learning at higher education levels to businesses through universities and further education colleges in Sussex. This is being achieved through capacity building in the institutions, curriculum re-modelling, trialling new methods of curriculum delivery such as bite-sized modules, increased use of off-site and blended and e-learning models, production of support materials and the delivery of 360 co-funded Additional Student Numbers (ASNs) over the three year period up to April 2012.
• Sussex Vocational Progression Accord is the forum for establishing agreements between providers of higher education in Sussex guaranteeing at least an interview to holders of vocational qualifications wishing to go on to higher education courses.

Since January 2011 what was the third area of our activity, Learning Opportunities in the South East, is now run by Work and Learning c.i.c who operate it under contract to the University of Brighton.

Our partner organisations:

• University of Brighton
• University of Sussex
• University of Chichester
• The Open University in the South East
• Northbrook College
• Plumpton College
• Central Sussex College
• Chichester College
• Sussex Downs College
• City College Brighton & Hove
• South Coast College Hastings