We have successfully secured funding from NIACE to co-ordinate a Learning Champion's project.  NIACE is keen to promote information and learning to the wider community and recognises the benefits generated as a consequence of increased income for the local economy.  Learning Champions are local people that can inform and engage the local community in formal and informal learning. Some of our Learning Champions will also signpost and support local people in finding jobs.

Through outreach and community engagement we have aligned the NIACE Learning Champions Contract with our Future Jobs Fund contract, enabling us to have paid Learning Champions available. They provide impartial advice and signposting around learning, and support local people in finding jobs. They work with clients to assess their needs, what motivates them and which educational opportunities available in their local communities might suit and benefit them.

Our Learning Champions have also set up local learning groups which bring together local people with a shared interest to develop their knowledge in a particular subject area, for example digital photography or cookery.

Enable's Learning Champions

There are currently 10 Learning Champions working with communities to not only help promote informal and formal learning but also to provide much needed support for people who might be apprehensive about returning to learning.

Our Learning Champion Project Co-ordinator supports these Learning Champions across 4 organisations in Nottinghamshire.  Organisations involved with this project are Mansfield CVS, Go Digit All, Enable Worksop and Gedling CVS.

By March 2011 we are hoping to recruit a team of volunteer Learning Champions to help sustain the project and continue to promote lifelong learning in the future.  Our Learning Champions Project Co-ordinator will be looking at alternative sustainability strategies in order to maintain this good work.

Want to know more?

If you are a VCS organisation who would be interested in hearing more about the Learning Champions project, please contact Michael our Learning Champions Project Co-ordinator on: 0115 9348435 or email learningchampions@enable.uk.net

If you want a Learning Champion but want to know more about the Future Jobs Fund contract, please feel free to call the Community and Employment team on 0115 9349516 or email us at futurejobsfund@enable.uk.net