News
tpm-Mode collaboration is trailblazing model for challenging times
Two of Merseyside’s premier training companies, tpm and Mode have announced they are to join forces, resulting in an impressive joint portfolio of high quality, flexible training services for learners, employers and schools.
Whilst the two training providers will remain separate entities, they will collaborate over the delivery of apprenticeships and other work-based learning programmes. The union consolidates both organisations’ wealth of knowledge, expertise and experience in Merseyside’s work-based learning sector. Their joint services now include apprenticeships in barbering, business administration, childcare, customer service and hairdressing. In addition, each organisation adds its own particular expertise to the pot: tpm - equality and diversity, and support for learners with disabilities; Mode - specialisms in foundation learning, and the delivery of work-based learning in schools.
Seamless access to expert services
Directors at Mode and tpm have developed a fluid, flexible model for delivering a broader and enhanced range of training services. Schools, employers and learners will have seamless access to expert training and support services, and professional advice on industry training standards and government funding for staff.
Minimum contract levels
Brian Quinn, director at tpm highlights the catalyst for the tpm-Mode collaboration:
“The introduction of minimum contract levels for Apprenticeships has created much anxiety in the work-based learning sector. Many small, specialist providers like Mode have had to choose between abandoning apprenticeship delivery, or linking up with a larger provider. Our larger apprenticeship contract means we're able to collaborate, but it’s naive to think this is just tpm helping Mode out. It’s a privilege for us to be joining forces with such a proficient and respected provider. We’ve long admired Mode’s capabilities, particularly in working with schools, a new, exciting area for us.”
Mutual trust is key
For Mode director, Debbie Tagoe, approaching tpm was the obvious choice:
“Mode and tpm go back a long way, and we share a fundamental client-focussed philosophy. Our involvement with peer review projects means we’ve a clear understanding of each other’s operations. As members of the Merseyside Hair Forum (MHF), we’re both signed up to the same high standards of quality assurance, best practice models, training delivery methods and codes of conduct. Having so much in common, this operational collaboration feels like a natural progression. Mutual trust is key. Many smaller providers are either closing or seeing their identities lost as they are subsumed by larger organisations. Thanks to the professional trust and respect we enjoy with tpm, this joint working can only be hugely productive for both of us, together and as individual organisations.”
Collaborative competitors
At a time of great uncertainty for many work-based learning providers, tpm and Mode have found a way to build on their work as “collaborative competitors” through the MHF. This formalised association is resulting in opportunities for the growth and development of both organisations as well as the sharing of resources and expertise. Together, Mode and tpm represent a trailblazing example of how tumultuous change can be harnessed and directed in a proactive, productive way.
For further information, please contact brian.quinn@tpmnow.co.uk or debbie@modetraining.co.uk
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