Prime minister Tony Blair and education secretary David Blunkett today launched learndirect, a new online initiative that aims to give adult education a 21st century internet boost.

The scheme allows learners to choose from a range of over 400 courses, most of which are available over the internet, in a wide range of areas, such as business, technology and other basic skills. More than 700 centres are also opening.

The initiative is being run by the University for Industry (UfI), a public-private partnership that has been created to promote and innovate within lifelong learning in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The learndirect scheme "represents a revolution in learning," said Mr Blunkett, who was speaking at an event to mark the opening of a learndirect centre in Stratford, East London, today.

"By grasping the opportunities of new technology, it offers a unique way of reaching more people in new and exciting ways and engaging them in learning to boost their own employability," he explained.

Dr Anne Wright, chief executive of UfI, said: "Over 36,000 people have already tried online learning through learndirect as part of our national pilot. Nine out of ten say they would recommend it.

"This is hugely encouraging and demonstrates real enthusiasm for this revolutionary new way of learning."

Mr Blunkett also announced a further £10m of funding for Ufi to provide a fleet of branded learndirect vehicles - mobile learning centres - to bring learning to the doorsteps of small businesses, including those in rural areas.

Useful links
learndirect
The University for Industry