This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Awards for learning in the community
06/06/2002
Twelve REAL learning centres from across Glasgow were today awarded learndirect scotland status.
Making the awards at Easterhouse Library and Learning Centre, the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning, Iain Gray, said that delivering learning in the community is vital to achieving the Executive's vision of a Smart Successful Scotland.
He added:
"Learning is far too important to leave anyone out - that means that access to learning must be as wide as possible. The Executive has made it clear that we believe that Scotland's future economic success depends on people, their creativity and enterprise. This success will rely on the skills of our workforce.
"The types of skills that people need now are often vastly different to those needed even ten years ago. That is why we have established learndirect scotland to help people develop the skills they need in the way that suits them best. That means helping them learn in the communities in which they live or work.
"The success of the REAL initiative here in Glasgow is an example that many other local authorities should explore and copy. It has bought together all the major learning providers in Glasgow and in the process has revitalised libraries.
"The combination of the REAL initiative and learndirect scotland is a winning formula that will help people to learn where, when and how it suits them best. It is a REAL success"
Frank Pignatelli, Chief Executive of Scottish University for Industry said:
"The REAL libraries initiative brings learning opportunities right into the very heart of communities in Glasgow. By using places where local people are comfortable with visiting and offering them a range of services to develop and improve their skills is a groundbreaking project that will bring tangible benefits to the people of Glasgow.
"The Scottish Executive has pledged to use lifelong learning as a tool to encourage and build a vibrant and successful economy, driven by a highly skilled and adaptable workforce. It has contracted with SUfI to help achieve this by encouraging more Scots into learning. So far over 370,000 people have called the learndirect Scotland free phone helpline to find out more about learning. We also have 320 learndirect scotland learning centres across the country. This demonstrates the thirst for learning that exists in Scotland.
"Our task now is to work in partnership with organisations like the Scottish Executive and Glasgow City Council ensure these people get access to the learning they want at a time, place and a pace that suits them best. The REAL libraries already meet this goal and therefore I am delighted to see the learndirect scotland quality assurance award being presented to each of these 12 centres."
Real learning centres were set up by a partnership between the major learning providers in Glasgow. They are:
Glasgow City Council Education Services
Glasgow City Council Cultural and Leisure Services
Glasgow Telecolleges Network
University of Glasgow
University of Strathclyde
Glasgow Caledonian University
Scottish Enterprise Glasgow
Learning and Teaching Scotland
Real learning centres have Internet access, a wide range of learning materials covering subjects a all levels from elementary typing to advanced language courses and on-line learning. Real centres also provide information on employment opportunities and can assist in preparing CVs. Through the use of Lego Roboland technology, Channel 4 videos and the Internet, a robot-building programme has been developed for young people to improve their computer skills and introduce them to various aspects of science
The 12 learning centre who were awarded learndirect status were:
Castlemilk Library and Learning Centre
Drumchapel Library and Learning Centre
Easterhouse Library and Learning Centre
Hillhead Library and Learning Centre
Ibrox Library and Learning Centre
Knightswood Library and Learning Centre
Maryhill Library and Learning Centre
Pollok Library and Learning Centre
Pollokshaws Library and Learning Centre
Riddrie Library and Learning Centre
Royston Library and Learning Centre
Shettleston Library and Learning Centre