The Ulster People’s College is a specialist organisation concentrating on education and training for development.  It was established in 1982 as a charitable limited company to involve people in tackling social and economic problems and in overcoming cultural and political divisions.

UPC programmes focus on community development to enable social and economic regeneration and on political development to enable real democracy and expression of citizenship.

The majority of the College’s education provision is delivered off-site in local community centres across Northern Ireland.

Who do we work with?

The UPC works with people who are active within their community to improve their skills to enable them to take responsibility and effective action to make and lead positive change and development.  The UPC also works with and offers services to trade unionists, the public and private sectors, church groups and the wider voluntary sector.

The UPC approach

The UPC adopts a distinct approach to learning.  Many people who enrol on UPC courses have left school much earlier in their lives with a negative view of education and without qualifications.   The UPC puts considerable effort into enthusing participants about education and training, in addition to increasing their vision and skills and building their self confidence.  This is achieved through designing courses that are practical and applicable, supported by user friendly material relevant to life experiences and delivered in informal settings.

Attention is also paid to training needs analysis, developmental assessment, developing progression routes for learners and to monitoring participant progress upon completion of training.

This approach is recognised and appreciated by many of our learners.  Past learners have commented:
  
                                          “The level of support given to us by the tutor was exceptional.”

“The tutor encouraged everyone to get involved.”

“We were made to feel that our opinions and contributions were valid and appreciated.”

“The tutor was really enthusiastic and discussed topics on a level we understood.”

Other services

The UPC also offers other development services to organisations.  These include evaluations, strategic planning, consultancies and economic appraisals.  The UPC has also conducted research into education and training needs for community development.