Government moves to encourage adult learning

13:33 25th March 2009

New government funding is to provide public rooms to allow more adults to engage in informal learning sessions, courtesy of private firms.

The new Learning Revolution scheme will carry £20 million of government funding and local authorities will be expected to help arrange the use of over 7,000 rooms in public building around the UK.

Computer training will be among the many informal learning resources that will be on offer in a wide variety of venues such as offices, pubs and shops.

Alan Tuckett, chief executive of the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE), said: "Working together, we want to make this the start of a renaissance of learning opportunities for adults in Britain, for the benefit of individuals and communities alike."

He added it was a good sign that funding could be sourced for such an initiative during a time of significant financial problems.

BT has announced plans to test high-speed broadband services at various locations around the UK, in a move which could facilitate adult learning courses.