Learning Programme

We designed our provision after conducting extensive research in the community about barriers to learning. Our courses are designed to be welcoming, accessible, supported by child care and free to users. Participation in adult learning in East Salford has quadrupled over the past five years. We aim for 100% recruitment, retention and progression rates and generally exceed 90%.

The Trust has over 600 learners on over 40 courses each year. These are often delivered in partnership with Salford City College. They range from confidence building introductions such as Salsa, through basic skills and ESOL classes, to certificated Open College and NVQ provision with a work focus. A key feature is the employment of local people who have successfully travelled this road as Learning Support Workers and Community Learning Champions.The Trust gained the national matrix quality standard for "information, advice and guidance" services in 2011. The assessment report described the Trust's IAG service as a "golden thread that permeates all of the services of the Trust with the staff providing a personalised, impartial service to youth and adult service users."

The Trust has a number of success stories. In 2003 within twelve months of its introduction it won the North West Learning in the Community Award. A number of Trust learners and projects have since been recognised at local, regional and national awards ceremonies.

Alison Cummings was a housebound mum with small children and few qualifications. She started a confidence building course with the Trust in 2003. In 2009 she was awarded a 2:1 Honours degree in Social Policy from Salford University. Alison is now in employment at a Children's Centre and is a member of the Trust's Board.

Janet Bailey was in a similar position. With the Trust's help she set up a parent-support group and became a member of a Trust Community Research Project. She then gained a teaching certificate while working as a full-time community development worker at the Trust. She is now the Community Services Manager of a large children's charity in the Isle of Man.

Mike Thorpe came to the Trust as a community researcher. He then ran the Trust's Learning Development Team until 2009, when he became the Principal Officer.

Calendar of Events

Click on the news story for more information

• New Opportunities in Youth Work
• Impacting on Employment, Learning and Poverty in Salford