learndirect scotland's 5th birthday

Since learndirect scotland was established in October 2000, its helpline has received 600,000 calls from Scots seeking information and advice on learning.  

And a network of 500 quality-assured learning centres has been created, stretching from the Shetland Isles to Stranraer.

To celebrate the organisation’s 5th birthday, 500 balloons were released from Hampden Stadium.  

Learners, staff and board members joined learndirect scotland’s chief executive, Frank Pignatelli CBE, at the trackside and a birthday message was displayed on the Hampden scoreboard.

Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning, Allan Wilson, said: “We set up learndirect scotland five years ago to encourage and support individuals and small businesses to access learning and training.

“During this time, it has passed a number of significant milestones on its journey to promote lifelong learning, including the development of a national network of 500 quality-assured learning centres; the creation of a database of over 100,000 learning opportunities; and the provision of a range of national information and advice helplines.

“The fact that learndirect scotland now receives four enquiries every minute of every day is a sign of the organisation’s real success in providing high-quality services aimed at improving the employability of individuals and the competitiveness of companies – key aims of our lifelong learning strategy.”

Frank Pignatelli said: “When learndirect scotland was founded in 2000, it was with a vision of a Scotland where, through lifelong learning, individuals fulfil their ambitions and small businesses flourish and prosper.  

“Over the last five years, we have developed a range of innovative services aimed at achieving this goal and ensuring Scots can and will access learning at a time, place, pace and style that suits their needs.  

“Our aim for the next five years is to keep building on our successes and continue to find new and exciting ways of encouraging individuals and businesses to realise their potential.”