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