Boost for work-based learning in the North East

Topss North East, social work’s key training body, is expanding
its new learning resource centre networks for social workers and
students.

The move will allow easier access to information about local
training and career development.

Following a similar initiative by Topss East Midlands, Topss
North East is launching a one-stop shop network in January with
£200,000 of funding. “We hope that this will pull all the
information and advice on work-based learning into one hub in the
North East,” said Bob Little, regional development officer for
Topss North East. “Instead of having to track down 15 different
people or organisations you now only have to go to one place to
find out what you want.”

Audrey Harmer, social services training and workforce
development officer at Middlesbrough Council, has been appointed as
the centre’s network manager. “The resource service will help the
whole social work sector by providing support in workforce
planning, together with practical assistance for work-based
learning,” she said.

Four employers’ alliances organised by regions in the North East
have been created to provide information on recruitment and
retention and work-based learning. Little hopes that ties between
universities and employers will be strengthened by the scheme,
which goes live on 4 January 2005.