A successful partnership with the Army in London

30 Army Education Centre - London Region

Learners from The Royal Artillery based at Woolwich Barracks on a WEA course

WEA London Region have built up a very successful Skills for Life programme for Army learners in partnership with the Army’s Basic Skills Tutor in London, Carl Stout, based at 30 AEC (Army Education Centre) Chelsea Barracks.

Army Education Centres offer a range of educational opportunities for soldiers of all ranks and their families. The Army have had Basic Skills Tutors in place since 2002 and have a clear commitment to improve the Basic Skills of their workforce.

Find out more about 30 AEC on the internet at www.army.mod.uk/30_aec/index.htm or www.army.mod.uk/30_aec/basic_skills/index.htm.

Carl initially approached WEA London in 2002 to explore the possibility of delivering level 1 courses leading to national qualifications in adult literacy and numeracy in a flexible way, which would meet the learning needs of mainly young soldiers with few or no GCSEs particularly in mathematics or English, who wanted to improve their skills and obtain a qualification. The WEA’s Workplace team and Skills for Life Co-ordinator worked closely with 30 AEC to produce relevant, suitable learning materials and arranged courses to fit in with the availability of the learners.

Pass rates are very good - currently at 93% and learners are able to progress to level 2 courses, I.T., business and management courses delivered by the Army.

Our learners say…

WEA courses are ‘interesting and worth doing’, that they feel more confident in their writing and number skills, tutors are helpful and the quality of teaching is good.

We continue to deliver this programme of Skills for Life courses for the Army in London and are currently exploring ESOL provision and literacy courses for dyslexic learners.

Staff at WEA London Region would like to express thanks to Major Colette Sherlock and Carl Stout at 30 AEC Chelsea Barracks for their continued co-operation and support. We look forward to expanding and developing this already successful provision in the future.