Fact Sheet What is Connecting Learners in the 3rd Sector (North & Mid Wales)? Connecting Learners in the 3rd Sector (North & Mid Wales) – or Connecting Learners for short - is a new work-based lifelong learning project funded by the Welsh Assembly Government’s (WAG) Wales Union Learning Fund (WULF). Connecting Learners is one of the nine WULF projects organised by UNISON, and is based in the Bangor offices of its lead partner organisation, Cartrefi Cymru, a nationwide not-for-profit homecare provider. The Connecting Learners team in North Wales consists of Richard Speight, the Project Manager, and Lynn Calverley, the Project Assistant. You can contact the project on 01248 363175 or 07799116193, email us at connecting.learners@cartreficymru.org or write to us at Connecting Learners, Cartrefi Cymru, 28-34 Dean Street, Bangor, LL57 1UR. Our sister Connecting Learners project in South Wales will be starting work in September 2010.
What is the mission of the Connecting Learners Project? “Connecting Learners is here to help improve the essential skills and confidence of the people working and volunteering for charities, community groups, co-operatives, not-for-profit companies and other social enterprises in North and Mid Wales. We aim to foster a culture of learning throughout the 3rd Sector and help people to overcome their barriers to lifelong learning, including helping to promote digital inclusion throughout the sector. We are committed to helping people to access learning opportunities both in their workplaces and online.”
What does Connecting Learners aim to offer 3rd sector organisations?
A free organisational, team and individual Training Needs Analysis (TNA) service to establish how to improve their current training provision. A range of free, work-based essential skills (literacy, numeracy, and ICT) and capacity building training courses for staff and volunteers delivered by specialist tutors from FE colleges and quality independent providers. Help and support for learners to go on and achieve Level 1 & 2 qualifications and more. Introduction of Basic Skills Assessments and Individual Learning Plans (ILPs)/Personal Development Plans (PDPs) for organisations who do not currently use them. The development of a free e-learning package including e-TNAs, e-ILPs, online essential skills courses and a dedicated online social network for our learners. This is aimed at providing learning opportunities appropriate for the 21st century learner and helping to overcome the barriers to digital inclusion experienced by 1 in 3 people in Wales. Assistance with signing-up to the Employer Pledge and EP action planning (alongside FE college providers). A strategy to promote a culture of learning within the organisation, including the identification and training of Union Learning Representatives and the establishment of learner-organised Workplace or Community Learning Clubs. Signposting service to help employees and employers access further learning opportunities with their employers, local colleges, the Open University and online providers. A chance to participate in initiatives such as Adult Learners Week, Quick Reads and the Six Book Challenge.
What can Connecting Learners offer FE colleges?
Connecting Learners will directly fund courses and cover the costs of providing tutors Connecting Learners will recruit learners, organise and administer the courses – all the colleges need to do is send the tutor and register the learners. We can provide an avenue through which a college with a successful tender with DCELLS/WAG can access funding through the Employer Pledge. Increase contacts with local employers and communities and have learners signposted to further opportunities with the College through open days, outreach work and the social network. Recognition and publicity through entry into national schemes such as the National Training Awards, the INSPIRE Adult Learning Awards and the Annual Colegau Cymru Awards.
What does Connecting Learners need from FE colleges?
We aim for collaboration between the Project, the FE colleges and tutors and our partner organisations to design suitable physical and online courses. The provision of quality mark tutors to deliver essential skills (literacy, numeracy, ICT) courses in a range of locations. For example, our lead partner organisation, Cartrefi Cymru, has training facilities in locations in North, Mid and South Wales where tutors already come to deliver training. Help and support for essential skills learners to achieve Level 1 or even Level 2 qualifications The provision of expert tutors to deliver capacity building courses such as Confidence Building, Communication & Customer Service skills, Introduction to British Sign Language and Stress Management. Participation in Connecting Learners Open Days, taster sessions and celebrations and other events. It is important that learners on Connecting Learners courses provided by FE colleges are registered with the college to ensure their details are included in LLWR .