Launched in 2005, Fusion has brought together the further
education (FE) sector across the North West with key agencies
including Business Link, the Learning and Skills Council and
Jobcentre Plus in a dynamic collaboration with the shared aim of
improving the responsiveness and quality of workforce development
provision in the region.
Fusion is funded by the Northwest Regional Development Agency
(NWDA) and the Learning and Skills Council. It is driven by a
regional steering group, chaired by Sara Mogel, Principal of West
Cheshire College, supported by Project Manager Elaine Chadwick.
"The Government's Reform Agenda clearly sets out the role
of the FE sector in improving the skills of the current and future
workforce to ensure a successful and competitive UK economy"
says Sara Mogel. "This role has been explored and developed
through Fusion, with colleges and partner agencies working together
to deliver innovative projects that respond to the diverse economic
and social foundations of each area. These projects have been truly
transformational, and have changed the face of colleges'
employer engagement stategies across the region.
A varied range of projects have been developed across the five
regions, achieving powerful results and enabling colleges to share
best practice and transfer this learning and knowledge to their own
organisations.
Merseyside colleges are currently delivering the Train the Trainer project by supporting individuals living in Merseyside to undertake an Assessor or Verifier qualifiaction in conjunction with their current employment.