CIMSPA has announced the first wave of higher education (HE) partners – part of its new strategy to forge links between universities and industry for the benefit of students and employers.

The professional development body’s strategy is particularly focused towards supporting students in making their first step into the world of work. The new HE partners are universities who have sector-endorsed degree courses and will facilitate CIMSPA student affiliate status for their students.

The new higher education partners are: Cardiff Metropolitan University; Leeds Beckett University; Sheffield Hallam University; Southampton Solent University; University of Chester; and University of Portsmouth.

From a university perspective, the tie-up demonstrates a commitment to teaching skills and knowledge relevant to the workplace, while CIMSPA is able to engage future industry talent from an early age and pave the way for full membership when they start their career in the sector.

“Higher education has a massive role to play in CIMSPA and the future of the sector as a whole,” said Ben Gittus, CIMSPA interim endorsement director.

“We are delighted to announce these six institutions as the first CIMSPA HE partners who will work with CIMSPA to develop and professionalise the sector – we look forward to expanding this list as other institutions in the HE sector come on-board.”