If you currently deliver learning within an FE college or work based, adult or community learning environment, Business Interchange placements are an opportunity for you to:

• Contribute to your own continuous professional development and develop lasting individual relationships with business professionals
• Update your skills and knowledge of contemporary business practices
• Review the curriculum within a practical context and ultimately influence the way it reflects current trends, technologies and practice
• Help your students fully understand a sector before entering the workforce, leading to better preparation and prospects for them
• Play a key role in sharing best practice within your organisation and with other FE providers.

The placements will also encourage the development of new opportunities for networking and dialogue between your organisation and local business, helping to foster a better understanding between business and the FE sector in the long term.

Funding
All placements are funded in this pilot phase. Financial assistance will be provided to your employer to cover the cost of your absence when participating in a placement.

Opportunities
Pilots for the industry awareness placement and the short exchange will take place between October 2007 and March 2008. The short and vocational placement pilots will begin between January and March 2008 and the sabbatical pilot will be available to start in September 2008. Places are limited, so please register your interest as soon as possible.

Next steps
If you are a teacher, tutor or trainer working in FE and you would like to find out more about Business Interchange and how to apply please visit www.takeeducationfurther.org.

If you require further information please email the project team or call the Business Interchange helpline 0845 602 5291.