University for Industry

Public-private partnership in the UK aimed at making businesses more competitive and individuals more employable. Ufi, working with businesses and education and training providers, uses computer technology to make learning available at a time and place to suit the learner. This can be at home, in the workplace, or at one of a national network of ‘learndirect’ learning centres, which was rolled out nationwide across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland from October 2000 (Scotland has its own SUfI with a similar learndirect Scotland network). A range of 650 courses for all experience levels covers subjects such as information technology, basic skills, business and management skills, and industry-specific needs. Three-quarters of these courses are delivered online through the learndirect Web site.

By January 2002, 724 learning centres had been set up. More than 600 national and local organizations, called Ufi hubs, were operating most of the centres.