The University of Bedfordshire successfully launched its first Teachers and Advisers Conference on Thursday 3 June.

The conference focussed on the need for further collaboration between schools and colleges to promote progression to Higher Education and Higher Level Apprenticeships.

Around 60 teachers and advisors from 35 schools in and around Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes got the opportunity to hear from a range of experts, specialists and academics on progression opportunities for their students. In addition, special guest speakers Mary Curnock-Cook, Chief Executive of UCAS and Philip Dent, Chief Executive of the Progression Trust addressed the delegates on the latest issues, challenges and trends around progression to higher education.

The conference, 'Collaboration: Routes to and through Higher Education', was the launch event for the Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes Collaborative Network, part of the National Networks for Collaborative Outreach, which works with schools, universities and colleges to help people access higher education.

The University of Bedfordshire is the lead institution for the Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes Collaborative network which includes Barnfield College, Bedford College, Central Beds College and Milton Keynes College.

Reflecting on the success of the event Bill Rammell, Vice Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire, said: "We're delighted to have been able to engage with so many schools and colleges and tell them about higher education outreach activity in this area as well as provide general advice about progression onto higher education. We're proud to be a leading institution in this collaborative network which supports the mission of our University to widen access to higher education and transform lives."

Commenting further on the Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes Collaborative Network Paula Page, Collaborative Outreach Project Manager at the University of Bedfordshire, said: "Our network covers 180 secondary schools and colleges within the Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes area. There are also a number of schools included from Cambridgeshire and London due to the existing relationship that we have with them."

Industry experts were also present providing insight into future changes anticipated in the employment market and the career agenda for schools. In addition, faculty staff from the University lent their knowledge and support to the event; many hosted stands and led Q & A panels in the workshop sessions.

Commenting on her experience of the event Jane Bushen, a representative from the STEM Team East, said: "What a fantastic event! I had some meaningful conversations with several teachers and also got an awful lot from the workshops which gave plenty of food for thought. The first keynote speaker, Phil Dent, was excellent. An interesting talk which inspired me as an educator and reassured me as a parent."

Delegates also had the opportunity to network with a number of other organisations such as the Nuffield Partnership, MK Dons Sport and Educations Trust, Federation of Small Businesses, Borough Councils and STEM Team East, many of whom provide research placements, workshops and employability and entrepreneurship projects.

More information about the Milton Keynes and Bedfordshire Collaborative Network, including further details about the support and variety of opportunities for students provided by organisations such as STEM, MK Dons SET, Uprising, Nuffield and others, can be found on nnco.beds.ac.uk