At uke learning advice and guidance is at the centre of all our work. Our specialist learner support team offers one to one personal advice, guidance and support to both individuals and employers in a wide range of areas including basic skills, occupational competence training, employability skills, job search and support for re-entry into the workplace.
Learners may also wish to take advice from other organisations in relation to the range of adult education options available in their locality. The following list provides information of those key organisations who are able to assist.
• Where to find information about local adult education
• National organisations
• Distance learning
• Organisations for disabled students
• Organisations for employees and trade union members
WHERE TO FIND INFORMATION ABOUT LOCAL ADULT EDUCATION
Information about local adult education is available from a number of places including colleges, libraries, Learndirect, Connexions, Job Centre Plus centres and local education authorities (LEA). Information leaflets and guides to courses are usually available both in paper format to take home and on the web.
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NATIONAL ORGANISATIONS
DirectGov
DirectGov provides detailed advice and guidance relating to all elements of Adult Learning. Information includes what to learn, where to learn, English Maths and IT skills, training and learning for work, improving skills and financial assistance including adult learning grants and child care.
All information is available on the DirectGov website at http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/AdultLearning/index.htm
Learndirect
Learndirect offers training courses at numerous locations nationwide including libraries, community centres and sports clubs. Learning can be broken into bite sized chunks and are available full or part time, both to those working and to those studying full time so you can learn at your own pace. Detailed information relating to learning at all levels, from basic skills right through to university level qualifications is available via a telephone helpline and website. People who have difficulty with mobility can register with Learndirect through the website. Contract details are:
Learndirect
PO Box 900
Leicester LE1 6XJ
Learndirect helpline: 0800 101 901
Email:
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Website: www.learndirect.co.uk
JobCentre Plus
JobCentre Plus not only helps you to search for a job but also provides advice and guidance about how to brush up on your job seeking skills and how to gain new skills. Their JobCoach provides five steps to help you get back into work and can be found at http://backtowork.direct.gov.uk/job-coach.html#3
This website provides advice on how to Make the most of your skills or get new ones. It also contains an excellent skills and interest assessment and provides advice about training and help available.
Connexions
Connexions provides information and advice for young people aged between 13 and 19 years of age in a wide variety of topics including learning. They can advise where to learn, what to learn, and provide information about skills you might need and qualifications available to you. Local drop in centres are located nationwide and contact cn also be made via Connexions Direct in a variety of ways including email, telephone, text and on-line. Advisors are available between 8am and 2am every day. Contact and address details for local centres can be found at http://www.connexions-direct.com/index.cfm?go=localServices and contacts details for Connexions Direct are:
Connexions
helpline: 080 800 13 2 19
Text: 07766 4 13 2 19
Website: http://www.connexions-direct.com/
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DISTANCE LEARNING
The Open University
The Open University was created to meet the needs of part-time students who wish to take a course leading to a qualification such as a diploma or degree. Students study at home and are provided by the University with study materials. Contact details are:
Central Enquiry Service
PO Box 197
Milton Keynes MK7 6BJ
Tel: 0845 300 6090
Fax: 01908 654914
E-mail:
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Website: www.open.ac.uk
Open and Distance Learning Quality Council
The Open and Distance Learning Quality Council (ODLQC) sets standards for distance learning and home study courses and provide a list and details of the colleges that they have assessed Providers can register with the ODLQC if they meet the ODLQC's standards and the ODLQC regularly monitors providers of these courses to make sure they are providing a good service. Contact details are:
ODL QC
16 Park Crescent
London W1B 1AH
Tel: 020 7612 7090
Fax: 020 7612 7092
Email:
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Website: www.odlqc.org.uk
Association of British Correspondence Colleges
The Association of British Correspondence Colleges is a voluntary association of correspondence colleges which comply with a code of ethics guaranteeing standards of service in their dealings with students. If you are interested in joining a correspondence course it can advise you on which would be the most suitable. Contact details are:
PO Box 17926
London SW19 3WB
Tel: 020 8544 9559
Fax: 020 8540 7657
E-mail:
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Website: www.homestudy.org.uk
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ORGANISATIONS FOR DISABLED STUDENTS
National Bureau for Students with Disabilities (SKILL)
SKILL gives information and advice to disabled students and those with learning difficulties who are over the age of 16. Contact details are:
SKILL
4th Floor
Chapter House
18-20 Crucifix Lane
London SE1 3JW
Tel: 020 7450 0620
Fax: 020 7450 0650
Info service: 0800 328 5050 (1.30-4.30pm)
Minicom: 0800 068 2422
Email:
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Website: www.skill.org.uk
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ORGANISATIONS FOR EMPLOYEES AND TRADE UNION MEMBERS
Workers’ Educational Association (WEA)
The Workers’ Education Association has local branches which run day, evening and residential courses and summer schools. Details of local branches are available by contacting the address below. Their newspaper ‘WEA NEWS’, is available from their London Office and is useful for general information. Contact details are:
Workers’ Educational Association (WEA)
Quick House
65 Clifton Street
London EC2A 4JE
Tel: 020 7426 3450
Fax: 020 7426 3451
Email:
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Website: www.wea.org.uk
Unionlearn
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) Education Service, called Unionlearn, runs courses for shop stewards, union officers and health and safety representatives. If you are a member of a trade union, contact your own union initially to find out what courses it offers. Contact details are:
Unionlearn
Congress House
Great Russell Street
London
WC1B 3LS
Tel: 020 7079 6820
Learning and Careers Adviceline: 0800 092 9190
Fax: 020 7079 6921
E-mail:
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Website: www.unionlearn.org.uk
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