Higher education delivered in the further education colleges plays a significant role in meeting the skills needs of the economy and in widening access to higher education. The Department commenced a review of level 4 and 5 provision and HE in FE in November 2020 in response to a forecast under-supply of level 4 and 5 skilled individuals to meet the needs of the Northern Ireland economy and in response to declining enrolments in HE in FE. The overarching aim of the review is to achieve a sector that can better meet the needs of the economy and learners.