An initiative to make learning accessible to everyone has been granted �74m in government funding this year.

The University for industry (Ufi) aims to deliver "learning that fits into life", through both online courses and learning centres across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

It received �44m of government money last year, and has now set up more than 250 learning centres and a wide range of online courses.

As the funding for 2000/2001 was announced on Thursday, the Ufi launched its learning website, called learndirect, allowing people to access courses to suit their needs.

More than 80% of the courses already available are online, with subjects ranging from information and communications technology to basic numeracy skills.

Helpline

The Ufi will become fully operational in the autumn, and by spring next year, there will be more than 1,000 learning centres and hundreds more online courses, which users can access from work or home.

Education Minister Baroness Blackstone also announced an extra �10m of funding for the learndirect helpline.

The helpline is associated with the Ufi, but offers independent advice on other learning opportunities as well.

Since it was set up in early 1998, it has received more than 1.25 million calls.

A Ufi spokeswoman said the courses would be tailored to people's needs.

"Some courses will last just 20 minutes. They will be delivered in bitesize chunks - for example, if you want to learn how to do spreadsheets, but don't want to sit through an accountancy course on Wednesday nights for two hours, for a year."

'Cutting edge'

Announcing the funding, Baroness Blackstone said the Ufi was one of the most exciting developments in learning for decades.

"We expect Ufi to become a world leader in the provision of virtual learning, placing the UK at the cutting edge of global developments.

"By working in partnership with British business, Ufi will provide learning in the workplace to ensure that Britain and its workforce remain at the leading edge of the technology boom."

The learndirect helpline can be contacted on 0800 100 900.