Welcome | Mapping the Maze | Learning Direct Database Services | Learning Direct Helpline Services | Metropolitan Area Networks and Wide Area Networks | University for Industry | Implementing the Vision University for Industry Adrian Clohessy, University for Industry Division, DfEE Adrian began his presentation by referring to the Pathfinder prospectus which some delegates may have seen. This followed on from the Green paper, the Learning Age. The impetus for these developments is the recognition that IT skills have a shelf-life of just two years before being turned over. It is therefore important to have the University for Industry to enhance continued learning. Basic skills for example are a problem for one fifth of the workforce. It is recognised that there are a number of barriers to learning. It is not always possible to have access to a learning opportunity at the right time and place. The costs may be prohibitive. Of importance to delegates at the conference there are concerns over the quality and reliability of information. These barriers must be overcome by encouraging more flexibility in the delivery of learning by more imaginative use of ICT. New markets for learning must be stimulated through building new partnerships. Information and advice services must become more reliable and accessible. Although the idea of the Local Information Networks would have made a contribution to this process it is important to note that the LINs are 'on hold' pending a Department review. The results of this review are likely in July and there is cause for hope that the idea may be resurrected. The vision of the University for Industry will be a new kind of partnership between the public and private sector. It will have the aim of boosting the productivity and competitiveness of business while at the same time enabling individuals to gain knowledge and skills to enhance their employability. In the early stages the UfI initiative will have some key priorities. There will be a focus on basic skills and information and communications technologies. There are specific sectors of the economy which will be the focus of attention - automotive components, multimedia, environmental technology and services and distributive and retail trades. In terms of actual activity and early task will be to analyse the needs of the market and the potential market. There needs to be an honest appraisal, by government and employers, of the market to determine the potential for the future. There will be a concerted effort to drive up the demand for learning through mass marketing and promotion. Another area of activity of interest to ALTSU delegates will be the provision of information, advice and guidance. In all these activities there will be a stress on the quality of provision. In the past there has been an emphasis on comprehensiveness; in the future there will be an equal stress put on the quality of provision. UfI will be developing standards to assist with this. Work is well under way. There is in place a Transitional Board for the UfI, headed by David Sainsbury. This transitional team is looking at marketing, local operations, national operations, finance, quality and intellectual property issues. The target date for the launch of UfI is very early in the year 2000 and a detailed workplan will be available by November of this year. Adrian completed his presentation by highlighting two key areas of interest for ALTSU. One area is the development of on-line access to enquiry, information and registration systems. A second is the development of websites and bulletin boards giving individuals and businesses direct access to information and allied to this, an option allowing providers themselves to input information directly. At the conclusion of his presentation Adrian invited questions from delegates. Q: Although on-line access is important for providers, what becomes of the role of current practitioners? Given the potential problems associated with provider input would there remain a quality control role for TECs/TAP Agencies? A: That is right. UfI is a big driver for a lot of things; one of which is the way in which Providers are incentified. This could be a lengthy process but it is the way things will go. Q: What links are there between UfI and the Skills Taskforce? A: The two initiatives are housed under the same Directorate in the DfEE under Nick Stewart. They do work closely and intend to learn any lessons from the past. Q: The costs of telecommunications is very high. Are the various boards and task teams addressing this? Secondly, telecomms is not given the centrality it deserves in the APAPT prospectus. A: Telecomms experts will produce papers to describe how the costs for these services can be brought down. It is certainly a big issue given the lack of access to computers. It does need to be addressed in such a way that costs are not heaped onto the individual. Q: Which way does money flow? Who pays what to whom? A: This is still an open issue; it depends on how UfI finally looks. Money will go to the structure to link different elements together and to providers who are part of the UfI network.