New website for employers and learners

9:45am Tuesday 4th December 2007

WORK-BASED learners and employers in the South-West now have access to a range of resources and a free email advice service.

The South-West Lifelong Learning Network's new website contains information for adults thinking about returning to study or developing their careers with a part-time university-level course.

It also has information for employers who are considering improving the skills of their workforce.

The HE Guidance advice service has been trialled with young people in Devon and Cornwall and is now being extended to include Dorset and Somerset.

The service is linked to a key graduate website in the South-West.

Lois Thorn, leader of SWLLN's information, advice and guidance team, said: "When people are looking for new directions in life and work, we know how hard it can be to decide which course will be most suitable; there is just so much to choose from.

"This form of impartial HE Guidance service offers people a really good opportunity to think things through with the help of a careers adviser, free of charge."

Web developer, Tom Quay, who was the responsible for the website, said: "It's been great working on such a worthwhile project alongside such dedicated individuals. By delivering a new easy-to-navigate, content managed website for the SWLLN we hope the practitioners at the Network can make even more of a difference to learning provision within Higher Education in the South-West."

Another key feature of the website is its accessibility'. The accessibility function allows screen readers to identify and interpret what is displayed on screen then present it to the user using text-to-speech, sound icons or Braille output.

This is useful for those who are blind, visually impaired or have learning difficulties.

Click on the link below to access the website.