Posted: 21/02/13
Training provider Pearson in Practice to transfer over to West Nottinghamshire College
West Nottinghamshire College has agreed a deal with education company Pearson Plc that will see most of its vocational training activity formerly carried out through Pearson in Practice transfer over to the college.
The deal, finalised today (Thursday 21 February 2013), follows an agreement in principle reached earlier this month, and affects around 4,000 learners.
A smaller number of Pearson in Practice learners are being transferred to other providers.
It follows a decision by Pearson Plc, announced on 7 January, to exit the Pearson in Practice business following government changes to apprenticeship funding rules. Pearson chiefs said the shift from a programme-led to employer-led apprenticeship model had significantly reduced demand for the types of programmes offered by Pearson in Practice.
The transfer takes place with immediate effect and sees the majority of Pearson in Practice become an integral part of the West Nottinghamshire College group as a wholly-owned subsidiary, operating under the new name of Vision Workforce Skills.
Pearson in Practice has head offices located in Nottingham and Banbury and provides training at around 30 centres across the UK. Pearson Plc began a 90-day consultation period with Pearson in Practice staff in mid-January.
The college has a strong record of delivering education and skills, particularly in the area of workforce development. With almost 5,000 apprentices, it has grown to become one of the largest providers of apprenticeships in the country, and also operates a successful apprenticeship training agency, Vision Apprentices.
College principal and chief executive, Asha Khemka OBE, said: “I am delighted we have reached a final agreement with Pearson Plc and look forward to welcoming the majority of Pearson in Practice’s staff and learners to the West Nottinghamshire College group as Vision Workforce Skills.
“This cements the college’s position as one of the country’s leading providers of workforce development programmes and significantly enhances our national reach in terms of employer engagement.
“Above all, this is good news for Pearson in Practice learners, who will be supported to successfully complete their apprenticeship or training programme.
“We are working hard with Pearson to make the transition as smooth as possible for Pearson in Practice staff and learners, and are committed to managing the transfer openly, fairly and speedily.
“We are confident the business, operating as Vision Workforce Skills, will be a successful provider of high-quality training opportunities for learners and employers across the country.”
Rod Bristow, president of Pearson UK, said: “Pearson is very pleased to reach an agreement for the transfer of most of Pearson in Practice to West Nottinghamshire College, which has established a strong record in training and apprenticeships. We believe this to be the best solution for the affected learners, staff, employers and other partners.
“Pearson’s important work in providing training for young adults will continue through our qualifications and curriculum business, particularly Pearson Work Based Learning, which works in partnership with employers and others to develop workplace skills.”
Vision Workforce Skills will deliver industry-specific training and qualifications through apprenticeships and work-based programmes such as NVQs, primarily in professional and business services, creative media and IT.
