Network of high-street learning centres planned

Citation

(2004), "Network of high-street learning centres planned", Education + Training, Vol. 46 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/et.2004.00446dab.004

Network of high-street learning centres planned

Network of high-street learning centres planned

City and Guilds has announced plans to develop a national network of high-street learning centres in partnership with further-education colleges and other training providers. Known as City and Guilds Local, the new centres will aim to provide a friendly and supportive learning environment where people of all ages can drop in, seven days a week, and take courses designed to build their confidence and develop new talents.

Chris Humphries, City and Guilds director general, said: “Recognized learning and skills are increasingly the price of entry to rewarding employment for people, while employers stand to benefit from improved productivity and success. But for many individuals, gaining access to effective learning is difficult unless that opportunity is close at hand, completely flexible in timing, and modular so that learning can be fitted around other work, domestic and social commitments.”

Derby College has been selected for the first centre because of its strong reputation in the further-education sector and the college’s established brand of Optimum IT centres. If the new centre is successful, City and Guilds will work with the college to rebrand the remaining four Optimum centres in Derby as City and Guilds Local. Dawn Whitemore, Derby College vice-principal, said: “Taking learning opportunities to people’s doorsteps is the only way to widen participation. The reputation and brand of City and Guilds will help local colleges to develop attractive learning centres in the community.”

Under the scheme, participating further-education colleges will staff the centres and deliver the training while City and Guilds will provide a package of support services. Initially, City and Guilds Local will focus on flexible information-technology (IT) training, but will later introduce programmes in numeracy and literacy, employability skills and management training. Centres will offer a range of courses accredited by City and Guilds, Learndirect and other awarding bodies.

The Government’s Skills Strategy, published last year, emphasized the need to recognize and develop every individual so that the UK can remain economically competitive and maximize opportunities for all. The strategy particularly stressed the importance of raising the skills of all adults already in work to ensure their continued access to well-paid and satisfying employment.