The new initiative will mean that 28,000 transport workers will get the chance to improve their basic skills, either through home-based distance learning or in one of the provider’s regional centres, free of charge. Employees who commit to following a learning programme can gain additional qualifications, while the immediate family of TfL staff will also be able to access learndirect courses from home.
Frank Douglas, TfL’s HR director, said: “I’m so pleased to be able to sign this agreement which gives all our staff the choice to brush up on skills, to build confidence and help provide wider opportunities within the organisation. With so many options to tailor the way in which these skills are taught, I have no doubt our employees will welcome the chance to gain some extra qualifications with learndirect.
“Personally I find this a great ‘win-win:’ it is good for the business of TfL, it is good for staff and their immediate family and, therefore, good for London.”
Learndirect deputy chief executive, Pablo Lloyd, added: “TfL is keen to offer learning to their employees and their families and they wanted an approach which was both flexible and accessible. That’s where learndirect fitted in – our online courses can be taken at home, supported remotely, or in one of the many learndirect centres across the capital, with support available on site.”
More than 2.8 million adults have taken a learndirect course in the last 10 years, with 490,000 achieving a maths or English qualification.
