A ground breaking pilot taking place in the north of Scotland is set to revolutionise training and learning in the 21st century.

The pioneering pilot delivers training and nationally recognised vocational qualifications, on-line through the world wide web.

The development and implications this has for learning and qualifications in the future will be highlighted to an audience of some of the nation's leading training organisations by Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Nicol Stephen at a conference in Stirling tomorrow (Wednesday 26 April).

The project is the brain-child of north development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), who have organised and funded the development using a software application called 'LearningSpace' which allows tutors to actually teach students on-line in a virtual classroom.

Colleges and training organisations in the north of Scotland delivering the pilot are:

• The North Highland College in Thurso in conjunction with the Hospitality Training Foundation who are now delivering the Food and Drink Preparation SVQ level two qualification;
• The North Atlantic Fisheries College in Shetland and the Shetland Fisheries Training Association who jointly manage the Fishing Vessel Operations (Inshore) SVQ level three;
• Inverness based training company Development Partners who deliver the Business Management and Development SVQ level four to 20 owner/managers of businesses from across the Highlands and Islands.

These qualifications were deliberately selected to highlight how on-line learning can work over a diverse range of subjects at various different levels.

Douglas MacDiarmid, director of developing skills at HIE said: "Extending choice and access to qualifications for people in rural areas has traditionally been difficult, with factors such as poor and costly transport links and time away from the workplace proving significant barriers to learning.

"With access to the internet now widely available and computer ownership set to dramatically increase, this concept will transform skills delivery in the future and improve access to training in rural areas.

"On-line learning also provides those involved in the delivery of skills with a cost-effective way of reaching a bigger market and extends choice for their customers. It also allows funds to be channelled into training and development rather than travel and subsistence, giving better value for money for training initiatives like Skillseekers, New Deal and Training for Work."

The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) - the awarding body for educational and vocational qualifications in Scotland provide advice and guidance on the development of qualifications as well the accreditation of them.

Christine De Luca, SQA said: "The concept of using the world wide web for training purposes is used quite widely in universities, colleges and large companies in the USA and is therefore an opportunity to use this facility for more courses being developed and adapted to accommodate this important way of learning in the future."

Tomorrow's event will be held at the Stirling Management Centre where practical demonstrations will be given on each qualification. Tutors involved in developing and delivering the pilots will also be on hand to answer questions from delegates who represent national training organisations, local enterprise companies, colleges and training providers.

The Stirling event will pave the way for other qualifications to be adapted for delivery over the world wide web using the broad principles developed during the pilot.