A major project run with the support of the ADAPT programme is testing ways of bringing learning to micro-companies through using ICT and learning technologies.
The project, Business Training Network, is now entering its final year, and has brought together Colleges from Scotland, the North West, East Midlands and London. Other partners include Napier University, CAPITB - the national training organisation for the Clothing industry, and three trade unions. The unions, BECTU, the Musicians Union and Equity all have a very large freelance membership and are developing new ways of providing services for these groups.
Several private sector organisations have supported the work, including Gee Publishing Limited who have developed customised business information services online to sit alongside training services.
The work of the project has
- resulted in all the project members now offering online training both direct to the workplace and via networks of learning centres. Myerscough College has even set up learning centres in pubs to serve rural communities in the NorthWest.
- tested ways of linking training and business information through a one stop service.
- developed a number of online and multi-media products for micro-enterprises
- made use of CALL Centre technologies to enhance customer care for workplace learners.
Business Training Network was designed to test some of the approaches that the University for Industry would be likely to take forward, and all members are now working with the UfI and the Scottish UfI.
Details of the work of the project, and the work of individual partners can be tracked by looking at the project forum. You can access this by going to the web site of Lauder College, who lead BTN. Go to www.lauder.ac.uk, then click forums, then guest access, then BTN.
