East Sussex County Council’s Library Service started the Learndirect Centre in 2003 in partnership with Jobcentre Plus, the South East England Development Agency and University for Industry and based it at Hastings Central Library. Since then a large number of adult learners have been helped to gain confidence and discover new skills and over 300 learners have gained national qualifications in IT, Mathematics and English.
Although based in Hastings, the staff work in other areas, providing learning opportunities for residents across the county. The Council has developed outreach centres at Uckfield and Peacehaven Libraries and at the Family Learning Centre at Egerton Park, Bexhill. Organisers also work closely with the St Nicholas FSN Centre at St Leonards and the Whitehawk Inn Centre in Brighton.
All the centres are staffed with qualified tutors who support learners through their courses and help them to achieve their aims.
Councillor Bob Tidy, Lead Member for Community Services said: “I am delighted that this initiative has now chalked up over 5,000 enrolments. The centre is a great success story and has helped hundreds of people to gain qualifications and boost their job prospects. The courses offered have also helped a huge number of adult learners to discover new skills and improve their confidence.”
The centre at Hastings Library is open to learners six days a week. For details of opening times and what’s on offer at all the centres telephone 01424 434301.
Reference:
1559
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