Thousands of unemployed Coventry people are being offered the chance to improve their basic skills, gain vital qualifications and increase their job prospects.

A new Learndirect centre, co-ordinated by Pertemps Learning Education Alliance (PLEA) in partnership with The Workshop, is being launched in the city and aims to help the 3,000 unemployed in the area find jobs by increasing their basic skills.

The PLEA Learndirect centre will provide access to Skills for Life training including literacy and numeracy and other courses, such as English as a Second Language, in a dedicated training room with ten computers and four skilled staff led by a senior tutor.

Managing director Gareth Edwards said the new centre provided local people with an excellent opportunity to take the first steps back into employment: "Gaining qualifications through Learndirect has significant benefits. Learning is achieved at a time, location and tempo to suit the individual, all within a relaxed and supportive environment, with fully trained tutors on hand to assist.

"Courses not only equip people with excellent skills but present an opportunity to return to learning; something many never do after leaving full-time education," he added.