Westward Pathfinder

learndirect Achievement Awards

Regional Winner

Westward Pathfinder

Award Received

learndirect Centre of the Year Award

Their Story

Westward Pathfinder has just celebrated its 10th birthday as a Learndirect Centre; its first learner enrolled in May 2000. As the longest serving learndirect centre in the South West, Pathfinder has proven its ability to adapt to meet ever-changing government priorities and targets. Despite this constant need for change, Pathfinder has always kept its focus on supporting disadvantaged individuals. The main centre is in Barnstaple, with a network of seven rural outreach centres, providing learndirect learning to more than 1,000 learners from hard to reach groups. Many of the learners are on benefits and 18% declare a disability, almost three times the learndirect average. Despite these challenges, success rates are consistently high.

On winning the award, George Curry from Westward Pathfinder said:

I feel absolutely delighted for all the staff who have worked brilliantly for many years for learndirect despite the ever-changing targets and challenges. The award recognises the dedication and commitment that all the staff show to their learners.

www.learndirect.co.uk

From the left
Back: Steve Skirth - Geoff Mills - Linda Banting - George Curry (Chief Executive)
Middle: Bob Mullen - Jayne Bosworth - Anne Tudor-Kerr - Wendy Brooke  - Sue Carder
Front: Angela Dacres - Dixon - Debbie Ibbotson

Student Comments

"Staff are very helpful and always friendly and patient. The staff in all departments work well together to be flexible and accommodating."

"Doing the courses with Pathfinder have boosted my confidence, and made me a more patient person. I have learnt a lot doing these courses."

"The tutors at Pathfinder Barnstaple are very attentive, pleasant, cheery and helpful. – A great place to learn!"

"I’ve been here three months and my progress has amazed me. I feel I can at last enjoy my learning. The tutors are fantastic and really supportive."

"Friendly class with mixed ages. Don’t feel stupid when I ask really basic questions."

"I believe the relaxed and friendly manner of the staff and their ability to adjust to the variety of clients and their abilities and capabilities is extremely helpful."

"I’ve found my time at Pathfinder to be useful, easy and friendly. A superb learning environment."

"Flexibility and depth. Also the way the Learndirect e-learning builds knowledge and expertise."

"Being in a wheelchair I find the staff very good, they understand my needs and are very supportive and helpful, being my secretaries and writing down my notes."

"The course has improved my job prospects and improved my confidence. I am really enjoying the training and being able to increase my skills and hopefully achieve the ECDL certificate."