Downpatrick centre goes online to offer new skills

The people of Downpatrick are set to benefit from the opening of a new Learndirect centre, based in the East Down Institute, which aims to revolutionise the methods by which individuals can learn new skills.

Announcing the official opening of the new Market Street facility, Minister for Employment and Learning, Dr Sean Farren praised the town for being quick to embrace new developments in skills acquisition.

He said: "Downpatrick, the home of saints and scholars through the ages, is now adding a further step in its e-learning for the 21st century. This centre will help individuals and businesses to develop and improve skills in a way that is convenient for them in terms of time and location.

"The facility will also join the network of Learndirect centres now in operation across Northern Ireland, helping to increase and widen participation in learning and contribute to the development of a competitive economy."

Learndirect uses Information Communications Technology (ICT) to revolutionise where and how people learn.

The initiative places emphasis on allowing the learner to complete courses online at a time and pace to suit each individual - and wherever they have access to the Internet, within learning centres, at home or in work.

To date, over 4,500 people throughout Northern Ireland have already availed of Learndirect. (CL)