Union learning centres have become an integral part of the lifelong learning agenda. In April 2010 a community-based adult learning project was set up, in a set of offices above what used to be the historic ‘Officers’ Mess’ at HMP Dartmoor in Princetown. Eight years later, the unionlearn backed project (POA Learning) linked to the HMP Dartmoor Prison Officers Association has provided free learning and up-skilling opportunities to over 7000 learners from the local West Devon community. The only restriction is that applicants must be over 19 years of age to qualify for free unionlearn funded learning. The free and accredited learning courses provided by Taunton & Bridgewater College are taught on a distance learning basis via workbooks and assessments as well as online options. Listed below are just some of the available learning opportunities:
- Level 2 in Employability Skills
- Level 2 in End of Life Care
- Level 2 in Personal and Social Development
- Level 2 in Equality & Diversity
- Level 2 in Understanding Mental Health Issues
- Level 2 in Customer Service Knowledge
- Level 2 in Principles of Business Administration
- Level 2 Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care
- Level 2 Principles of Dementia Care
- Level 2 English
- Level 2 Maths
- Online Language Learning
Learners can also make an appointment to have a free information, advice and guidance session with POA Learning, learner support worker Ivan Judd, who can also link individuals to the local careers service. Many of our learners have moved onto higher education, improved employment opportunities or simply engaged with learning for learning’s sake.
If you are interested in finding out more please contact:
POA Learning Centre, HMP Dartmoor, Princetown, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 6RR; Tel: 01822 322241; Email: ivan.judd@poalearning.org.uk or Dartmoor@poalearning.org.uk