Chapeltown Young Peoples Club

YES-Cyber has been involved with learndirect since November 2000 as an ‘Access Point’. Its targets have always been relatively small, as it is seen as an enhancement to the project and not a core activity. In 2002 / 03 the target was for 65 learners on 130 courses. Its actual performance was 65 learners (83% of target) and 91 courses (70%). 73% of enrolments were on ICT courses, 16% Skills for Life (basic skills) and 2% Business and Management. The gender breakdown was 27% male and 73% female. Over 61% of learndirect learners at YES-Cyber are from BME backgrounds. Actual income from learndirect 2002 / 03 was almost £4,000. Predicted income if targets are met for 03 / 04 is almost £10,000.

There was an ALI inspection of the West Yorkshire Hub in 2003. Although YES-Cyber was not visited, large files of evidence were collated and both TDC centres were featured in displays about the centres, with examples of good practice which were mounted in the inspectors’ base room. The final inspection grades were good with Leadership and Management graded 2 and Skills for Life and Other learndirect provision both graded 3. Although both the numbers involved are the income generated are relatively small, UfI / learndirect is a national strategy in which the Government has invested significantly and clearly forms part of its e-Learning strategy; as such, it fits well with YES-Cyber’s overall approach of offering a variety of opportunities to non-traditional participants. However, the impact of learndirect needs to be considered on the future staffing needs of the project.

Thomas Danby is currently involved in 2 Skills for Life projects and is shortly to begin piloting the use of learndirect SfL products with employers. A TDC group of adults with learning difficulties on an ESF-funded project (ACE - Access to Community and Employment), which meets weekly at YES-Cyber is going to pilot some of the materials also and assess its suitability for this group.

Issue: From August 2004 there is going to be a re-classification of venues by the West Yorks. Hub - TDC will need to decide strategically whether it wishes to remain a part of the learndirect network beyond the term of the current contract. Data about the issues involved has been circulated to EMT recently.