SPORTS and enterprise 'think tanks' have been created by University College Worcester to strengthen business and higher education links in the West Midlands.
A range of leading regional organisations have joined forces with UCW to form a Sports Employers Group Network and a Business and Enterprise Group.
The Employers Group aims to enhance student employability within sports and leisure-based industries by increasing skill levels, creating project work and placement opportunities, and increasing the direct input businesses have with courses.
Members include UCW's partner colleges, Connexions Hereford and Worcestershire, Worcester City Football Club and the Institute of Sport and
Recreation Management. Skills Active and the YMCA.
The Business and Enterprise Group will focus on enterprise and innovation opportunities for students and staff.
Karen Bill, principal lecturer in development and innovation, said the groups would be meeting at least twice yearly.
"We'll be discussing ideas and opportunities for innovative and enterprising development, which will strengthen the partnership between Higher Education and business throughout the region", she said.
"These partnerships reinforce UCW's ongoing commitment to strengthening links between business and education and it offers students a chance to make positive contributions to the business world."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article