WARRINGTON Collegiate’s merger with three other colleges in Cheshire has left a question mark hanging over future job security.
The merger is to create “efficiency savings” and to make the colleges more “robust” financially – and any changes will be in full consultation with staff over the next couple of years.
It follows a review of Further Education provision across Cheshire and Warrington involving four FE Colleges, South Cheshire College, West Cheshire College, Mid Cheshire College and Warrington Collegiate.
The four colleges have agreed to begin a merger process to create a new FE College for Cheshire and Warrington by 2018.
The recommendation for a FE College for Cheshire and Warrington follows a Joint Area Review of post-16 provision in the region led by the Government’s FE Commissioner Sir David Collins.
The proposal will build on the key strengths of each College, creating a stronger organisation delivering high quality education and skills training for learners and employers
It is proposed that the creation of a FE College for Cheshire and Warrington, will be a phased approach starting with the merger of South Cheshire College and West Cheshire College by January 2017. Followed by Mid Cheshire College by August 2017 and Warrington Collegiate by January 2018.
A spokesperson for the colleges said: “The proposed merger will generate efficiencies but also greater opportunities for staff in a larger, more resilient College.
It is our intention to manage any changes in full consultation with staff over the next couple of years and minimise the potential impact on jobs through normal staff turnover.”
