Training partnerships in the NHS: targeting information technology

Abstract

The National Health Service is going through a period of rapid change in the use of information technology which has resulted in the training of NHS staff in IT skills becoming a priority. At the same time as these developments there has been a great deal of change in the further education market in England that has led to further education colleges pursuing a more market‐driven approach. As a result many colleges have been forming training partnerships with local and national employers. Reports in depth on a case study of a partnership between a hospital Trust and a college of further education to address the issue of developing and delivering information technology training to NHS staff. Concludes by highlighting the benefits and problems of this type of partnership arrangement.