'Business Interchange' will ensure teachers, tutors and trainers working in further education (FE) have the skills and expertise to meet the needs of the sectors they serve by creating opportunities for them to update their vocational skills.

The programme will support a range of placements for teachers, tutors and trainers, helping them to meet their continuing professional development (CPD) requirements whilst encouraging dynamic partnerships to develop between business and FE providers.

LLUK will work in close partnership with the other sector skills councils to introduce, manage and evaluate:

• new placement opportunities which are able to flexibly meet the needs of different employers, industries and circumstances
• opportunities for business and FE providers to exchange information and work together to improve learning delivery in the future
• practical ways for FE staff to share their vocational skills and experience with counterparts in their own institution and the wider community.

How to get involved in 'Business Interchange'
We are now seeking expressions of interest from business hosts and learning providers who would like to participate in Business Interchange during 2008. If you represent a learning provider organisation or are a teacher, tutor or trainer working in FE, or you think your business could support a teacher in updating their skills, please visit www.takeeducationfurther.org for more information and to apply online. Placement opportunities are limited so please register your interest as soon as possible. For other enquiries about Business Interchange please email the project team. You can also register your details to receive regular updates about Business Interchange and the rest of the Catalyst programme.