12 May 2001
GETTING CONNECTED TO LEARNING EASIER THAN EVER - FARREN
"It’s easier than ever before to find where there is an education or training course that suits you," Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment, Dr Sean Farren, said today as he marked the 10th anniversary of National Adult Learners’ Week.
Adult Learners’ Week, which this year runs from 12 – 18 May, will see education and training providers and many others across Northern Ireland, staging a series of key events. These will include; holding awards ceremonies, open days and festivals to celebrate the success of those who have been bitten by the learning bug, and to encourage more people to join in and sign up.
A central feature of this year’s week of activities will be Northern Ireland’s learndirect free phone help-line (0800 100 900) which was launched last year.
Stressing the significance of the week and the free phone, Minister Farren said: "Calling the help-line gives you access to information on over 12,000 courses offered by 300 Northern Ireland providers. It also provides impartial and professional advice on finding the course to meet your needs, whether your interests are work or leisure related.
Those interested in signing up can also find out more about the new Individual Learning Accounts. They can join the 25,000 Northern Ireland people who have already opened Accounts in the last eight months, to help with the cost of their chosen courses.
"My Department is committed to removing all barriers to training and employment opportunities and to promoting lifelong learning. Adult Learners Week and the learndirect phone line will reinforce our efforts to make available quality education to all. The course you want is only a phone call away. It’s as simple as that."
Media enquiries to Kevin Mulhern, Press Office, telephone 028 9025 7790 or mobile 07799 711523.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
The learndirect help-line is operated in Northern Ireland in association with EGSA, the independent Educational Guidance Service for Adults.
More information on Adult Learners’ Week 2001 and events can be obtained from EGSA on 028 9024 4274 or
http://www.info@egsa.org.uk