Carter and Carter and Castle College at the forefront of learning agenda

Carter and Carter Group plc is once again demonstrating itself to be at the cutting edge of vocational learning as it signs a memorandum of understanding with one of the UKís top further education (FE) centres Castle College Nottingham.

Thought to be the first partnership of its kind, Carter and Carter intends to establish a network of engagement with high quality colleges such as Castle College Nottingham around the UK that will be mutually beneficial for both parties.

The vision behind the partnership will involve Carter and Carter and Castle College Nottingham working with employers to deliver the following activities, which are inline with the Learning Skills Councilís (LSC) agenda for change within the UKís FE establishments:

- Core programmes including automotive retail, automotive engineering, construction, sport, health and social care at all learner levels from 14 to 16 through apprenticeships to adult learning.

- Delivering work based learning programmes for adults and the delivery of first and second level NVQís through workforce development programmes.

- The creation and implementation of a Toyota Automotive Engineering Academy, which will be built at Highfields near Nottingham University.

Carter and Carter will also develop teacher education qualifications for work based learning staff at Castle College Nottingham, and future FE colleges that forge a similar partnership with the training provider, collaborate over research, development projects and approved exchanges of ideas and staff. Additional considerations will also be made too international education and training initiatives.
Di McEvoy-Robinson, Managing Director of Apprentice Learning, Carter and Carter Group plc said: ìCarter and Carter is delighted to be working in partnership with Castle College Nottingham. We hope this will be the first of similar collaborations with other UK colleges of further education and indeed employers across the UK.

ìOur strategy is to build a network of partnerships across the UK that enable us to deliver a first class provision of programmes and initiatives that directly benefit our learners and their local communities.î

Nick Lewis, Principal and Chief Executive, Castle College Nottingham said, ìIím delighted to have the opportunity to be the first further education college to have entered into a partnership agreement with Carter and Carter plc. This exciting public sector/private sector relationship combines the strengths of two significant providers of education and training. Together, we are determined to jointly develop and provide innovative and high quality solutions to meet the learning and training needs of priority vocational sectors.

ìThis strategic partnership will enable Castle College Nottingham and Carter and Carter to design a comprehensive menu for individuals to learn both for work and to learn in work. This outward facing response to the skills needs of the East Midlands is a significant demonstration of partnership working.î

For more information, please contact Carter and Carter Group plc on 01159 457200 or visit www.carter-and-carter.com.