If Scotland is to compete and win in the global marketplace it is vital we use learning as a competitive weapon

First Minister Henry McLeish

The Scottish Executive's flagship lifelong learning project was officially launched on Wednesday by Mr McLeish.

"This is one of the most significant learning initiatives created and will help make a reality of Scotland as a learning nation," he said.

"If Scotland is to compete and win in the global marketplace it is vital we use learning as a competitive weapon.

"By giving every Scot the opportunity to update and improve their skills we are building a formidable workforce adaptable to change and focused to succeed."

Learning accounts

The Scottish Executive announced plans for the university - which includes a helpline, a website and 50 branded learning centres nationwide - last April.

Learndirect is already half way towards its target of 120,000 calls to its helpline in the first year - after receiving almost 65,00 calls in just three months.

Ministers have provided more than �10m for the development of the project, and have committed a further �26m over the next three years.

That includes the allocation of �5.5 million for individual learning accounts which will help improve IT skills.

Students can learn computer skills

The first 100,000 people registering for an account will receive a grant of �150 towards the cost of their learning - as long as they invest �25 of their own money.

The executive has promised that learndirect will be tailored to the needs of working people.

Centres for learning will be created across Scotland, but workers will also be encouraged to learn at home.

The organisation is headed by Frank Pignatelli, a former director of education of Strathclyde Regional Council.

"We have said that we want to include in education a further 50,000 learners across Scotland," he said.

"We also want them to visit our website, where they can search for some of the opportunities themselves."