Learn Direct & Build

Major partners concerned about the lack of appropriate skills and knowledge for the maintenance of our historic buildings are supporting the development of innovative e-learning and awareness raising solutions by Glasgow-based Learn Direct & Build.

By capitalising on the latest innovations in information technology the aim is to improve the flexibility and accessibility of training and to raise general awareness of the importance of traditional building craft skills to a wider audience.

Learn Direct & Build is an award-winning collaborative venture with partners including ConstructionSkills, Glasgow Metropolitan College and Historic Scotland.

Current projects include:

• E-Learning for Built Heritage - the £400k Scottish Enterprise funded project started in October 2007.  It is producing e and mobile phone learning materials for built heritage and small construction business skills.  The project was launched formally during 2007 National Construction Week.
• Working with schools - LDB has produced a range of careers games and works with ConstructionSkills and Historic Scotland staff to promote careers in the built environment with primary and secondary schools in Scotland.
• Built Heritage - LDB and Historic Scotland are partners in a range of projects, the most important of which is the development of two SQA Progression and Professional Development Awards in Conservation Masonry.  The first of these is being developed through the SE CSAP project.  The underpinning knowledge and understanding for these awards will be delivered on line through the LDB learning management system, BEE.
• The Historic House – an interactive 3-D environment allows users to freely explore a building and interact with guidance on caring for and conserving a historic home, based on Historic Scotland’s Inform Guide series. LDB are now building a virtual “interdenominational” Historic Church and virtual tenement properties will follow.
• LDB role with the Glasgow School of Traditional Skills. LDB will make all its relevant e learning material available to the School and will seek funding to develop additional material.

The e-learning programmes and resources will be delivered via the Internet or on DVD and for further information visit www.learndirectandbuild.com