ALP sees thirst for innovative e-learning remains strong in the workplace

The Association of Learning Providers (ALP) has seen bids totalling almost £14m for its tender to fund an extra £4m of innovative e-learning in the workplace.

The latest and fourth tranche of Learning Innovation Grant (LIG) funding for 2008-09 means that work-based learning providers are investing £10.5m into technologies boosting satisfaction rates and business outcomes amongst their employer customers, through capital funding from the Learning Skills Council.

David Sherlock CBE, director of Beyond Standards, chairs an independent panel that has ratified the recommended bids for the LIG 4 funding.

Mr Sherlock said: "Making a judgment on the bids has evidently been a very difficult process due to the large number and high standard of the submissions. Nevertheless I believe that ALP has managed and implemented the process of going through them extremely well.

"The hugely over-subscribed response to the tender clearly identifies that there remains a strong demand for the LIG programme. The panel was impressed by the number of wide-ranging and innovative consortia proposals, which will widen still further the impact of work based e-learning."

Chris Swingler, ALP’s national projects development manager, added: "The LSC’s LIG capital fund has provided a real boost and has been very successful in building capacity and capability within the sector, which has led to an increase in learner retention, achievement and motivation.

"We anticipate LIG 4 will continue to be as successful with a range of innovative sustainable projects proposed, which aims to raise the quality and standard of learning programmes, and enhance and support the learning experience."

Pictured: David Sherlock CBE