Asda is rolling out internet training suites in distribution hubs across the UK following their success in four initial locations. The centres will use the Learndirect online network of training courses and services that have been designed by UFI, the government flagship for lifelong learning. Learndirect was trialled at Asda's Wakefield distribution centre in October 2001 and installed at distribution bases in Bristol and Washington as well as Asda's George clothing headquarters at Lutterworth in the Midlands. Via Learndirect, Asda employees can access online courses covering everything from basic computing to modules designed specifically for the food industry. They include the Certificate of Professional Competence ­ a legal requirement for some working in transport and distribution. Asda's Learndirect centres are managed by KITS ­ the organisation managing Learndirect training for the transport sector. Lesley Barber, who is training coordinator at Asda's Wakefield site, said: "Opening the learning centre has meant we can provide a flexible service to our colleagues. People who work in our distribution centre live locally and know the centre is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so they can pop in any time to continue their learning." {{PEOPLE MOVES }}

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