Wheatley and Glasgow Kelvin College partnership shortlisted for awards

(from left) Craig Green of Glasgow Kelvin College, with GHA chair Gordon Sloan, centre, and GHA tenant Raymond Fletcher at the opening of the latest free computer learning centre in Toryglen, Glasgow
(from left) Craig Green of Glasgow Kelvin College, with GHA chair Gordon Sloan, centre, and GHA tenant Raymond Fletcher at the opening of the latest free computer learning centre in Toryglen, Glasgow

John Wheatley Learning Network, the flourishing partnership between Glasgow Kelvin College and Wheatley Group, has been nominated for two prestigious awards.

Firstly, the Learning Network has been shortlisted for the O2 NextGen Digital Challenge Awards 2016 in the Digital Skills category. The winners of this national accolade will be announced in October 2016 at an event being held in the House of Lords.

In addition, the Herald/Glasgow Chamber of Commerce sponsored Inspiring City Awards – People Make Glasgow 2016 has recognised the stellar work of the John Wheatley Learning Network by shortlisting it in the Education category. A gala dinner and awards ceremony will be held at Raddison Blu Hotel in early September where the lucky winners will be announced.

These nominations are a huge vote of confidence in the John Wheatley Learning Network and the partnership between Glasgow Kelvin College and the Wheatley Group. A practical solution to address digital exclusion in some of Scotland’s most challenged communities, the network provides computer clusters for free use by all local residents, regardless of age or ability.

The trailblazing initiative provides community-based online access to people through their host community centres in their local neighbourhoods. With 35 centres in Glasgow and beyond, the partnership works with local organisations to bring digital skills and opportunities to residents, supporting them as they get online and access the internet to help them find work, save money on shopping bills and gain support with their studies.

As well as free digital access the network provides tutor-led sessions to help individuals gain qualifications.

Both partners are delighted that the stellar work of the partnership, the staff and the all-important volunteers in bringing digital skills and access to communities across Glasgow and Scotland is being acknowledged in this way.

Glasgow Kelvin College is a key provider of vocational and essential skills, from introductory to degree level, in the north and east of Glasgow. The College ethos recognises the importance of learning and progression as a tool for community and individual development. Consequently, the College has strong established links with its communities, residents and employers.

Principal of Glasgow Kelvin College, Alan Sherry, said: “We are so pleased and excited about the John Wheatley Network’s nomination for each of these prestigious awards.

“The benefits of local online access are being felt right across the network and, thanks to the strong partnership with Wheatley Group and the excellent work of staff and volunteers in each of the centres, local residents should be justifiably proud of the recognition.

“The network, and the successful partnership with Wheatley Group, has been shortlisted alongside some other very strong and impressive projects and we are delighted and honoured to have been nominated with them.”

Wheatley Group comprises six Registered Social Landlords, a care organisation and two commercial subsidiaries.

Gordon Sloan, chair of GHA, which is part of Wheatley Group, said: “We always want to create opportunities for people in our communities and our successful partnership with Glasgow Kelvin College has seen 35 free computer learning centres opened across Glasgow.

“Getting online is no longer a luxury, it’s an essential part of modern life, and our centres are a vital way of helping people use the internet to find work, improve their qualifications and save money on their shopping bills.

“It’s an important way we can change people’s lives for the better and I’m delighted the John Wheatley Learning Network has been recognised by these nominations.”

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