Frequently Asked Questions
How is the learndirect advice service different from learndirect online courses?
learndirect Advice provides free, impartial and confidential information and advice on learning and careers.
learndirect centres provide learndirect e-learning courses in literacy and numeracy, IT, business and management, and languages.
Who runs the learndirect advice service?
Ufi Ltd runs the service under contract to the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). Ufi contracts with Broadcasting Support Services (BSS) to provide the helpline.
What skills do advisers have?
- Information advisers are trained to NVQ Level 2 in Call Handling. They give information on training and courses.
- Learning advisers are trained to NVQ Level 3 in Advice and Guidance and provide information and advice on funding options and local childcare.
- Careers Coaches are trained to NVQ Level 4 in Advice and Guidance and spend longer with callers on in-depth sessions discussing career development opportunities.
Which standards govern the service?
learndirect advice works in accordance with the Code of Principles set out by the Guidance Council, and to Matrix standards. The Guidance Council is the independent campaigning body for career guidance in the UK , and Matrix is the national quality standard for any organisation that delivers information, advice and/or guidance on learning and work.
How do you ensure the quality of the service?
To monitor quality there is an ongoing programme to gather feedback from callers. Advisers ask callers if they would be happy for an independent research company to contact them and find out what they thought of the service they received.
Has the helpline been inspected?
The Adult Learning Inspectorate inspected the service in June 2005 and rated it "good".
Who provides the data on the learndirect Learning Directory of learning opportunities?
SDS (Sheffield Data Services) manage a direct data collection system on behalf of learndirect Advice.
How do providers get their courses listed in the Learning Directory or make changes to what’s already on there?
Course providers can view, update, or add their details online on the learndirect advice provider pages.