FBU sign Learning Agreement with Northumbria Fire and Rescue Service
The Learning Agreement cements a long standing partnership with Northumberland Fire & Rescue Service, Northumberland County Council and the FBU Union Learning Fund project which, for over a decade, has provided lifelong learning opportunities for all staff and the wider Fire & Rescue Service Community at the learning centre at Service HQ.
The learning centre, based at NFRS West Hartford Headquarters, is supported through the ULF project and is one of a series which the FBU has set up through the project. There is a national learning centre at Cramlington and regionally across England. They work with further education providers to offer courses and recognised qualifications in a range of topics including English, Maths, IT, preparation for life and work, health and social care and business and administration. There is everything from short taster sessions to longer programmes of learning accredited by bodies such as City and Guilds, NCFE, and the BCS.
Councillor Dave Ledger, Claire Wealleans(FBU National Learning Centre Manager)
Trevor Shanahan (former FBU ULF Project Manager), CFO Alex Bennett ©Private
The FBU Learning Centre has recently achieved the Matrix Standard, which is the national quality standard, for information, advice and guidance and also holds a Skills Funding Agency subcontract with an FE College.
The centre's work is supported by ULRs offering local support to ensure progression and success. Although courses are mainly computer or work book-based, tutor-led sessions and personal tutorials and advice result in a blended approach designed to support all learning styles and needs.
Councillor Dave Ledger, Deputy Leader of Northumberland County Council and Portfolio Holder for Fire and Rescue said:
Our Learning Centre makes a real difference in developing our staff and I am delighted that this scheme will continue after previous years of success."
Mark Dunne, ULF FBU Project Manager said:
The signing of the Learning Agreement is great news for all learners and potential new learners within Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service. This is good news for future partnership working and is a great example of how collaboration and understanding can lead to great successes across our organisations."
