Project Title: Learning4U

Summary of Project

The Learning4U is a new initiative in West Bromwich , targeting neighbourhoods that have been identified by the local Town Teams as in decline or at risk of decline. The programme will help encourage local community groups and learning providers in the area to come together and form a Network.

In 2004 the West Bromwich Local Learning Panel undertook a consultation exercise with local learning providers to identify what was and was not working within training provision across the town. The research gathered highlighted a lack of coherence and gaps in provision which in turn was leading to significant unmet needs. There were inadequacies in the ways in which information was gathered and disseminated which affected both strategic planning and the effectiveness of marketing. Key groups who were not having their learning needs met were identified, and issues of geographical and physical barriers to access were addressed. Please see Local Learning Plan for full details.

Vision

To create a fully collaborative, open and transparent working culture amongst all post-16 learning providers in the area through which all adults living or working in West Bromwich are both aware of and able to access the best provision to fulfil their potential.

Learning4U recognizes that all organisations with an interest in learning provision in the borough have an important role to play in achieving this vision regardless of size, location or resources.

Learning4U aims are to:

• Work and plan collaboratively to ensure the best use of town resources for the benefit of the learner.
• Provide a forum for the sharing of information and good practice.
• Address key local, regional and national issues that impact on learning provision in the area.
• Tackle obstacles and barriers to the achievement of learning targets in the borough.

Involve all organisations with an interest in post-16 learning provision in the town to ensure that local provision is presented to residents in a coherent and accessible way.

Participation is key.

As with any network, its success is largely dependent on members being able and willing to look for areas of common benefit and commit to working in collaboration. By maximising the use of ICT and web-based resources as well as local events Learning4U helps to ensure that information and participation is accessible to all members regardless of size, location or resources, enabling them to be active to the level they desire .

Development Activity: (What support is expected from CHOKE)

We are looking for support in the design of marketing material and launching the brand (Learning4U). Stage 1 will be to design display boards and information leaflet so that they can be used to promote the programme at key events etc. Stage 2 is to develop a DVD/CD for the local learning champions to use when out in the community.

Who will benefit from this project?

Local community groups and individuals in the most deprived areas of West Bromwich .

Local learning providers.

Local Learning Champions.

Contact Details:

Name: Mohammed Yafai

Address: West Bromwich Learning Team

Sandwell College , High Street, West Bromwich , B70 8DU

Tel No: 0121 525 8199

E-Mail: mohammed.yafai@emu.org.uk