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First Class Learning Centre
Annual Report 2008

As another year passes us by we must reflect on how we’re doing as a learning centre and more importantly, how we can improve the way we do things. The only measurement we have of our progress is through statistics – which I’ll bore you with at the end of the report – and learners’ course evaluation forms.

What we have been doing well is helping people who really want to learn a new skill or gain a qualification. In doing so we have, once again, surpassed the targets that Knowsley Community College set us at the beginning of the year. As a consequence I was happy to receive a ‘Champions’ award from the college for the work we have done throughout the year. Recognition, I have to say, that has been completely overlooked by Royal Mail. The award, of course, is testimony to the work all our ULRs have done this year, despite limited facility time, whether it’s been sign posting learners or distributing information their efforts are vital to the project. We are always looking for people to become Learner Reps especially in under represented areas. Full training will be given.

During the summer we had a successful ‘learning at work day’, where colleagues received free haircuts and manicures from students of the college. As an exercise it did introduce people to the centre who hadn’t previously been in before, some of whom went on to enrol on a course. It was such a success that our members and the college want to do it again. As a result of the day we were mentioned on the T.U.C’s national website.

I’m also happy to report that we eventually engaged some of our delivery members at Crosby D.O who took up a computer entry course. The college provided lap top computers and this seems to be one way we can tackle the problem of accessing delivery staff. More importantly, we successfully bid for funding which will be used for the secondment of a ULR to the delivery project. This will commence at West Derby D.O in the New Year.

What disappoints me is the inability to support learners who want a tutor led course but due to a lack of students (minimum 8) we can’t justify paying for tutors and resources. All that I can say about this is come into the centre and see what provision we can arrange. There are other options including e-learning workshops, where tutors will drop in for a couple of hours, maybe twice a week, to offer support. People are taking advantage of this type of learning and it’s proving successful.

In these times of reduced funding for adult education (anyone remember Alan Johnson MP and his basket weaving comments?) and the rising cost of courses we are still doing very well and we will support learners where we can. However, with the cost of Clait and ECDL computer courses, ITQ seems to be the popular way to achieve a level 2 computer qualification. Especially for those learners who are pre-level 2 (people with less than 5 GCSEs at A*- C) as the course is free as are functional skills courses (English & Maths). Remember also, that anyone in receipt of means tested benefit doesn’t pay for courses.

If you haven’t already visited our centre then make it your new-year’s resolution to ‘improve your prospects,’ if not your own then your children’s. So, come in and see us at the First Class Learning Centre on level 5 at Copperas Hill.

In the meantime, to all our members and your families, enjoy your well deserved break. Have a peaceful Christmas and a prosperous – hard fought for - New Year.