A 2-year project examined ways of improving the skills base of British industry by making higher education at the Universities of Durham and Leeds accessible to the technician work force. Data were collected from the following sources: records regarding the numbers of mature students admitted in recent intakes; interviews with admissions officers in 22 departments/schools of both universities and 3 administrators regarding their attitudes toward mature students; and 402 questionnaires designed to ascertain the educational achievements and aspirations of technicians employed on Teesside and in Leeds. The data were analyzed and used in devising a two-tier modular mathematics course tailored to the needs/competencies of the local technician work force and a multidisciplinary science access source that was successfully pilot tested on Teesside and in Leeds (England). Quality standards were set by referring to exemplars of existing good practice and through extensive consultations with practitioners in training, further education, and higher education. Quality control was effected by course coordination, tutor and student feedback, and external evaluation with respect to rigorous educational standards. The project was found to be a very valuable experience for student and staff participants alike. (Appended are lists of project steering committee members/staff. Contains 16 references.) (MN)