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Southampton City College - TUS U-Net learning centreSouthampton City College recently launched its TUS U-net learning centre on March 19th 2010. The new facility, directly set up by unionlearn and supported by a partnership between unionlearn and Ufi/learndirect, provides accessible online learning for members of any unionised workplace and their close family. The U-Net centre is based in the Trade Union Studies department and is part of the unionlearn network of learning centres launched in 2003 and is one of the 27 U-Net learning centres within the whole country. The learning centre was launched in cooperation with Unison, Unite, ASLEF, CWU, PCS, and FBU - representing a wide spread of unions. Union members can be referred by a union learning representative (ULR) from their workplace or they can contact the centre and arrange to attend a course independently. The learning centre offers Skills for Life* qualifications and IT courses as well as unlimited access to the college's resources, such as:
Class structure: There are no fixed classes or lessons and all courses are designed to fit around working lives and being able to access learning online offers the flexibility learners need. Learners can access a personal tutor who provides 1-2-1 sessions in the centre, the workplace and even from home as the tutors are contactable by email and telephone. The U-Net centre is keen on organising diverse learning events for unions and their members and is happy to visit unions and workplaces to provide as much support as possible. 'Mobile' tutors can be sent to any workplace with or without IT equipment as the tutors are able to supply laptops with broadband connection. As the courses are online it means several employees with different learning needs within one workplace can take advantage of the learning opportunities. U-Net centre assistance: Before anyone starts their learning at the centre their strengths and weaknesses are identified. An individually designed learning programme is planned and focuses on the areas which need improving. The centre offers a wild range of courses from short taster courses to longer programmes which lead to Level 1 and level 2 Qualification. Our Skills for Life programmes are fully funded to all learners that meet normal funding eligibility rules and show a need after having undertaken a Skills for Life initial assessment. Labour MP from Southampton Itchen, John Denham, praised the centre at its launch conference at St. Mary's Stadium in Southampton. He said: 'Most people who return to study are persuaded by a friend. The 22,000 ULRs are 22,000 'best friends' at work who bring hundreds of thousands back into learning which changes lives and opens up new careers. The U-Net centre is an important support service for ULRs and workplace learners.'
Successful outcomes: Some of the tangible benefits for unions and employers are:
Award winning standards: The TUS department at Southampton City College has achieved the unionlearn Quality Award* and the learning centre is being monitored by U-Net Quality officers to make sure that the services on offer meet the highest of standards. Staff members are able to access training on a regular basis and are kept up to date with current quality requirements. Equality and Diversity policies are strongly embedded into all areas of trade unions studies education. As a part of the unionlearn network, Southampton City College's learning centre is subject to the Ofsted* inspection programme. The recent Ofsted report noted that U-Net supports the most disadvantaged groups in the workplace, including isolated workers as well as those with the lowest confidence. This clearly evidences the importance of the support to learners that U-Net provides. The centre coordinator, Alicja Adamczewska said: 'We understand how difficult can be a return to education. That is why we do our best to ensure that our learners receive as much support and encouragement as they need at any stage of learning. (...) We make sure that during the induction we analyse everyone's individual needs very carefully and we will find the most suitable courses for everyone.' Case studies and projects (800 words) issued 26 Apr 2010 |
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unionlearn Telephone 020 7079 6920 |
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