19 February 2008
SHETLAND DEVELOPMENT TRUST SUPPORTS COMMUNITY LEARNING NETWORK
Shetland Development Trust is pleased to confirm that following yesterday afternoon’s Trust meeting; Trustees’ have agreed a three-year funding package of £70,000 per annum to the Shetland College for the purpose of maintaining and delivering the Community Learning Network.
The Community Learning Network provides vital services within rural Shetland, with Centres’ in seven locations around the isles. The Network aims to provide access to comprehensive and quality learning programmes and acts as a key support mechanism to people who are looking for advice, studying for SVQs, e-learning and various courses within a welcoming and supportive environment. Over 460 students in 2006/7 were using the services across Shetland and enrolment figures are continuing to grow.
George Smith, Principal of Shetland College said, “Shetland College is delighted that the Shetland Development Trust has been able to support this project and recognises that the Learning Centre Network contributes to the sustainablity of rural communities. The Network has been a huge success so far and our enrolment figures are continuing to grow, providing essential localised learning for people around Shetland. It will be important to continue to develop the range of courses available in the learning Centres over the next three years allowing learners to access further and higher education courses through Shetland College’s partnership with the University of Highlands and Islands.”
Josie Simpson, Chair of the Shetland Development Trust added, “ This funding is essential to maintaining and enhancing prosperity in Shetland by enabling business, communities and individuals to attain their full economic potential. In particular, having these Learning Centres’ located rurally throughout Shetland allows people who may not have access/or time to travel to the central mainland to access essential training opportunities and support.”