This article reviews the development of Community Consortia for Education and Training (CCET) in Wales, and explores their role in the development of a cohesive post-16 learning strategy. The article examines the development of the formation of one such consortium as a case study. A range of challenges are identified for making effective progress. These highlight the difficulties, as well as the successes for this key contemporary cross-sector educational partnership between schools, colleges, universities, businesses and voluntary organisations.