Thu. Mar 28th, 2024

Belfast Unemployed Resource Centre (BURC) has today announced its partnership with Thrive.App, to help improve the access to learning resources for English language students as well as sign up and training process for its volunteers.

The Belfast Unemployed Resource Centre was established in 1984 to provide support, education training and facilities to the unemployed and other groups living with social and economic disadvantage. During national lockdown, the centre needed to find a new way of providing training materials for volunteers, in order to continue its vital work supporting Belfast’s unemployed citizens.

The partnership with Thrive.App enables BURC to successfully provide learning resources and support of English language to non-native speakers, with virtual support and training.

The app enables students to access material provided during classes to enable them to practice and consider material at their own speed. An added bonus to the app is that volunteer tutors can easily sign up to various training sessions, all stored in one easy to access location within the app.  Other resources needed, such as zoom room codes and logins are all hosted within the app also, simplifying processes and saving valuable time.

Centre Co-ordinator at Belfast Unemployed Resource Centre, Aisling Cartmill says;

“We needed an easily accessible, cost-effective way to provide all the necessary materials for our learners, between classes, to make the learning experience more effective. English language is one of the most important skills needed for the successful integration of new communities. No matter what, we always strive to offer learning and development opportunities, through enjoyable and sociable learning engagements, which result in definite actions and outcomes benefiting the individuals and communities represented. Our volunteers are key in enabling us to carry our mission, and choosing the right partnerships has been a cornerstone of our success. “

In the long-term, the app will become a one stop shop for information. Students will be able to access learning resources and additional support and volunteer tutors will be able to access everything they need such as course programmes, repository for admin purposes, a general information hub and training materials.

Cartmill adds;

“The app has meant we can successfully continue with our great work in the community, but also means we are set up for the future, with a central hub of resources and materials that are accessible to our students and volunteers at any time, from any place.”

James Scott, CEO, Co-Founder of Thrive says;

“We are delighted to be supporting BURC in their important work, especially during a time when unemployment has risen so rapidly. The work that the centre does is vital to helping with the economic recovery from this pandemic, and we are proud that our work with them is making a difference to both volunteers and the communities that they are helping.

We aim to help as many organisations as we can in shifting from traditional methods of employee communications, training and engagement, making all materials and resources accessible to all. Strong partnerships are vital for us to successfully implement mobile apps that employees love. Our work with BURC has only just started, and we are excited to be on this journey with them.”

By Editor