The TULIP Network comprises 14 organisations representing Trade Unions (TUs), Universities, &University & TU sectoral confederations from 9 European member states. Its principal aim is tofacilitate exchange & transfer of models of cooperation between TUs & Universities in the delivery ofwork-based lifelong learning (WLLL) to TU members/employees.In this context WLLL means lifelong learning (LLL) opportunities (sub-degree or low-graduate level)that respond to both formal and informal learning at work, flexible accreditation pathways, patterns &modes of contact compatible with working lives. Universities & TUs bring complementary strengths tothe Network: universities their expertise/ experience in development of flexible accreditation &pedagogic structures, & their continuously developing outreach activity; & TUs their strong bipartitesocial dialogue. Both sectors already collaborate successfully in developing learning opportunities totackle the issues above, & TULIP will further develop both its volume and quality.It will do this by 1) presenting & exploring 4 distinct models of cooperation illustrating good practice,2) building a web based resource kit to support such activities, 3) producing a report on TU-UniversityWLLL partnering in 6 of the 9 partner countries, 4) organising a final conference for TUs, Universities& learners to share experiences.The Network includes TUs & Universities with experience of WLLL partnership working & novicepartners wishing to develop such cooperation. Experienced partners will aim to diversify & innovatecollaboratively, & novice partners will start to explore new cooperative arrangements. Both TUs andUniversities have their own sectoral European networks but none bringing the 2 sectors together.There is however: a) isolated pockets of excellent practice in collaborative working which contributesignificantly to the development of skills & knowledge in the workforce. The number of employeescovered by the partnership (represented by the total membership of TUs in the partnership) is c.1,900,000 b) high demand amongst the 2 sectors for such a network - see the breadth of partnership, &letters of support (Annex 9), c) a range of literature from both sectors emphasising the need for WLLLto accommodate integrated approaches & embed a culture of learning through change & innovation.TUs & Universities share a long term vision for WLLL and the partners believe that sector specificVET skills can only be one dimension of LLL due to the rapid pace of change in working practices andprocesses, & that LLL is a skill in its own right which can be developed through collaborative workinginvolving a range of contributors & by putting learners at the heart of WLLL developments.