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Picture: "Shaping the future through democratic learning." Picture: "The WEA in South Wales."
Learndirect - a national learning choice. . .
. . .and now WEA South Wales enrols its 2000th Learndirect learner!

Caroline Wilson (pictured), from Risca near Newport was the fortunate learner to walk through one of many centres recently to become the WEA’s 2000th online learner.
Caroline wanted to learn more about computers in order to help her children, whilst at the same time gain a recognised qualification.

With limited experience and aided with advice and guidance from the centre staff, Caroline enrolled on a beginner’s computer course which she completed in a short space of time. 


. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WEA / Learndirect Testimonials
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". . . The course is introducing myself to everything there is to learn about using the computer for the first time. It teaches all the basics in early learning computer which is what I needed to further my job prospects. . .". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

". . . I came here because the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. My tutor is knowledgeable and easy to talk to. I started off with the ECDL and now I am improving my maths skills. I came via want to work and it has helped my confidence and self-esteem no end. . ."
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". . . being rather elderly and becoming somewhat forgetful I would never have learned so much without the patient help of Katrina and Andrea and support of other learners. The centre has become one of my social highlights. . ."
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". . . I came to the WEA because it is a fun place to learn. The wea is easily accessible. They are very friendly and supportive. . ."
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". . . I have been coming to Merthyr WEA for about two years and I have learned about computers. I have found Katrina and Andrea very helpful as I am dyslexic. Coming to the WEA had given my confidence in myself and work. It's allowed me to increase my knowledge, my spelling and have more understanding of computers . ."
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". . . as someone who has quite a lot of previous work experience in a non computer environment the centre has given me a complete new outlook on what I wish to do in the future. I feel that centres like this one will provide top training to many people who want to develop their skills. . ."
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". . . I decided to come to the WEA to learn computers so that I could help my grandson with his homework. It is very friendly here, and what I like is that I can learn at my own pace. There is no pressure to keep up with anybody else and I can move on to the next part when I feel ready. The tutors are very friendly and will help you with any problems you have, and nothing is too much trouble for them - it doesn't matter how many times you ask them to help you! The atmosphere is very friendly and informal which puts you at ease straight away, and if you haven't done any learning for a long time - like me - then it makes learning that much easier. . ."


The WEA opened its first online learning centre at Risca in May 2001 as part of Adult Learners Week.
In 2002 other centres were opened in Cwm (Near Ebbw Vale) and in Merthyr Tydfil town centre.  Last year the provision was extended at various RISE centres throughout Blaenau Gwent and the RISE Learning Action Centre (LAC) in Blaenavon.

The
WEA Learndirect Centres have excellent IT facilities, including learner PC’s with broadband internet access, and is able to offer a wide range of Learndirect courses with the most popular course proving to be computer-based. These range from basic IT introductory courses to more advanced alternatives. 

In addition to IT courses, many learners choose to enrol on Business and Management courses, to brush up on their literacy and numeracy skills.


. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WEA / Learndirect Access Points
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Access Points run on a booking basis, but try to offer a more flexible service when able. The opening hours are convenient making it easier to fit into learners' routines. For more information on the WEA Learndirect Access Points, contact us today!
All venues provide excellent facilities as well as friendly staff to offer advice and guidance.

WEA ICT Centre, Risca
- Tel: 01633 613680
- E-mail: learndirect.wearisca@swales.wea.org.uk
Opening Times:
Monday: 10.00am-4.00pm
Tuesday: 10.00am-4.00pm, & 6.00-8.00pm
Wednesday: closed
Thursday: 12.45-4 & 6.00-8.00pm
Friday: 9.30-11.30am
Saturday: 10.00am-12noon
Sunday: closed

WEA On-line Learning Centre, Merthyr Tydfil
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Tel: 01685 373190
- E-mail: learndirect.weamerthyr@swales.wea.org.uk
Opening Times:
Monday: 9.30am - 4.00pm
Tuesday: 9.30am - 4.00pm
Wednesday: 9.30am - 4.00pm
Thursday: 5.00-7.00pm
Friday: 9.30-11.30am
Saturday: 10.00am-12noon on the following dates:
26th Sept, 31st October, 28th Nov
(workshops, once a month)
Sunday: closed

WEA Learning Action Centre, Blaenavon
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Tel: 01495 791128
- E-mail:
courseinfoeast@swales.wea.org.uk
Opening Times:
Monday: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Tuesday: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Wednesday: n/a
Thursday: n/a
Friday: n/a
Saturday: n/a
Sunday: n/a

Learning Action Centre, Brynmawr
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Tel: 01495 355595
- E-mail:
courseinfoeast@swales.wea.org.uk
Opening Time:
Monday: 9.30am - 1.30pm

For information on your nearest WEA South Wales centre click here.

Take me to the Learndirect website.