A HIGH street learning centre has entered the matrix after providing adults with the best possible advice and guidance.

The Northallerton College facility has been awarded a national Matrix quality standard for the way it informs, advises and guides its learners.

Last year, the centre helped about 400 people take more than 1,000 courses using Learndirect.

Training and learning services manager Graham Best said: "With Learndirect, an important element of the process is giving people good quality information, advice and guidance at the beginning to assess where they are and where they want to be with their learning.

"They could need extra qualifications to get a new job, or need better IT, numeracy or literacy skills. At this crucial early stage, it is vital we advise them on how best to achieve."

He said the national award showed the team was working to the highest possible standards.

The centre underwent an inspection by a Matrix assessor who interviewed staff and 20 learners to get their views of the advice and support available.

The assessor also talked to staff at the partner organisation, Connexions, which shares the office on Northallerton's High Street.

Staff at the recently refurbished centre also polled learners about their experiences, resulting in a 97 per cent satisfaction rate.

Most learners tackle an average of two-and-a-half courses and the centre boasts a 97 per cent pass rate of the popular European Computer Driving Licence qualification.

Learning advisor Audrey Fairburn added: "We are really pleased to be awarded the standard. It has taken a real team effort to achieve it."