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Free to learn

by Irene Krechowiecka
continued from page 2
One innovation that’s already making an impact is the concept of The People’s House. There are several estates in her region where the council have donated a house that is used as a learning centre. ‘These are all within walking distance of those they’re aiming to help. Using an ordinary house removes much of the fear factor that going into an unfamiliar place like a college can cause.’

Equality of opportunity for all is central to the vision of the LSCs and, as Susan points out, that does not mean offering everyone the same but making sure what you offer suits the needs of the individuals concerned. She’s particularly keen on exploiting the potential of new technologies. ‘E-learning makes a lot of sense in a rural area. It means that people can study where and when they want. We’re developing resources that enable people to access online learning at the heart of their communities: in village halls, local schools and anywhere people can get together. We’re also making use of European global grants to provide family care support. This means women with family responsibilities can take time off to study at no cost to themselves.’

Employers are an essential part of the equation in creating a skilled workforce and they stand to gain a great deal. A recent survey of 800 firms with fewer than 200 staff found that companies who raised their annual training budget by £50 a week increased profits by 11.4% while those that did not saw profits rise by just 6.3%. Bryan Sanderson, national chairman of the LSC, emphasises that investment in training makes good business sense. ‘Some businesses still question the impact of training on the bottom line. This research will pull them up short. They can’t afford not to invest in skills.’

Good news for all of us then. Make sure you get your share.

More

  • The Learning and Skills Council
  • Slot yourself into the skills gap
  • Get on-the-job training
  • Recycle your forgotten skills


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