ULearn is the easy online way to upskill in both Welsh and English

04-03-2010

UK students are set to benefit from one of the country’s newest online bi-lingual colleges.  Cardiff based ULearn College offers online training and development packages for school leavers, graduates, job seekers and employees.  The college, which is accredited by the UK’s largest awarding body, edexcel, offers BTEC WorkSkills; a range of recognised qualifications which aim to give people a competitive edge in the job market by providing the necessary skills required to gain employment.  ULearn presents its BTEC WorkSkills programme in both English and Welsh and is currently one of only a few distance learning specialists in the UK to offer this facility.

The company was started by Managing Director Jan Griffiths, a Lead Internal Verifier with over 20 years experience in distance learning.   Jan explained, “In the current climate there aren’t many options for school leavers with few or no qualifications, or for people who have been made redundant and are finding it hard to find another job.  The WorkSkills programme not only gives people the chance to gain recognised qualifications, but it also gives them a renewed confidence to apply for jobs, and it can be of huge benefit to employees who are looking to up-skill.  The courses are flexible and structured to suit different abilities and can be studied in both English and Welsh.  It was particularly important to us to offer bi-lingual courses as it gives people the choice to study in their preferred language.”

The BTEC WorkSkills programme consists of a number of modular course units with difficulty levels starting from Entry level 3 up to Levels 1, 2 and 3.  Students may work towards a BTEC Award, Certificate, or Diploma, the latter being the equivalent of 4 GCSE’s.  Learners may pick from a diverse range of subjects from four different learning pathways including Personal Life Skills, Work Placement Skills, Skills for Business, and Sustainability Employability Skills.  Sales Director Kelly Callow said, “When they apply students complete an online questionnaire so that we can accurately assess their needs and assign them to the right tutor and difficulty level.  They are then given their own personal login details so that they can download their course materials and have access to their tutor and student online support team at all times, as well as our online blog.  Tutors are also available on the telephone and there will always be someone on hand to offer advice and guidance.”

The college is in the process of bringing in WorkSkills activators; 3 – 5 day work placements at a number of participating companies including S4C, GO Wales and Radio Cardiff.  Future qualifications will also be offered online through ULearn including NVQ’s, GCSE’s and Health and Safety.  For further information about ULearn College ring 0845 519 4081 or visit www.ulearncollege.com  – see ULearn College at Adult Learning Week in May.

ULearn receives support from business solutions provider Business in Focus.