News Release Page Title

25 January 2000

 

SEAN FARREN WELCOMES CHANCE FOR PEOPLE TO "LEARNDIRECT"

"The University for Industry will be at the heart of our plans for developing a culture of lifelong learning in Northern Ireland," the Minister for Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment, Dr Sean Farren, said this morning.

The Minister was welcoming today’s announcement by the University for Industry (UfI) that it will begin testing its innovative approach to learning by opening 5 centres in Northern Ireland in Newtownabbey, Magherafelt, Derry, Limavady and Enniskillen.

Dr Farren explained: "Under the brand name learndirect, the centres will offer "drop-in" courses in IT and small business skills. Courses will be flexible, "bite sized" and affordable. A key feature will be the use of computers and the Internet as learning tools.

"The learndirect concept will give more individuals and businesses the chance to extend their learning and better themselves in a way and at times that fit

their lifestyles and needs. New technologies, including the Internet, are increasingly changing we way we live. Now they will help make learning for all a practical proposition."

Noting that this is the initial phase in the development of the UfI services in Northern Ireland, the Minister added: "My Department will be supporting the UfI and local consortia to create a network of up to 30 learndirect centres across Northern Ireland between now and the autumn.

"We will also set up a call centre linked to the learndirect freephone service to provide people and businesses with impartial information and advice on where and how they can meet their skills needs for the 21st century."

The 5 development centres, which will test the delivery of learning materials on-line through the Internet prior to UfI becoming fully operational in autumn 2000, will be at:

  • Cybervalley at the Valley Leisure Centre, Newtownabbey;
  • Magherafelt "Learning Shop", Rainey Street
  • Central Library, Foyle Street, Londonderry;
  • Limavady College information and guidance shop;
  • Intec Centre, Enniskillen (part of the new Higher Bridges project)

These centres will be managed by Learning Partnerships, each of which will draw together several of the main education and training providers in each area.

 

NOTES FOR EDITORS
  1. The University for Industry (UfI) is a key element in the Government’s lifelong learning strategy to increase the participation of adults in new ways of learning. The Northern Ireland strategy was published as "Lifelong Learning – A New Learning Culture for All" in February 1999. Last November, the Minister for the Economy and Education, John McFall, announced a budget of £1.5 million to support the development of UfI in Northern Ireland.
  2. UfI Ltd. is an independent organisation taking the initiative forward in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Its Chairman is Lord Dearing and its Board members currently include Mrs Aideen Mc Ginley, Chief Executive of Fermanagh District Council and recently appointed Permanent Secretary of the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure.
  3. The essential features of the learndirect approach are high quality IT-based open and distance learning materials that can be used by individuals and businesses when and where it suits them – at home, in work, of through one of the new centres in locations with easy public access.
  4. The UfI has recently announced learndirect is its customer services brand name for learning centres and materials as well as the telephone helpline service (0800 100 900). Its activities will be developed progressively in the run-up to its full national launch in autumn 2000.
  5. For further information about UfI contact the UfI Press Office on 0171 255 5439, or the Northern Ireland Regional Office on 01232 735865.