Learn Direct
Our history
learndirect was launched in 2000 by Ufi. The government created Ufi two years earlier, in 1998, in response to the New Labour concept of a University for Industry. Ufi was given a remit to use new technology to transform the delivery of learning and skills across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Through learndirect this vision has been realised.
learndirect has become the UK’s leading online learning provider, reaching into local communities, the workplace and people’s homes with flexible, accessible and supported online learning.
Over the past ten years, since learndirect first took the bold step of providing learning online, it has grown to become one of the UK’s biggest and most recognised e-learning brands, with a unique infrastructure enabling more than 8,500 learners to log on and learn every day.
Until 2008 Ufi also ran the learndirect Careers Advice service which provided free, impartial information, advice and guidance on courses and careers. In total more than 58 million information and advice sessions were conducted since the service began, with a 95% satisfaction rate delivered in the final year. This service is now available at www.careersadvice.direct.gov.uk and will become part of the new Adult Careers and Advancement Service, being launched in 2010 by the Skills Funding Agency