A learning centre without boundaries

WITH four top Universities within a five miles radius, it is a well know fact that Manchester has a bustling student population which contributes to the city's diversity and economic growth.

However, there is a fifth international Higher Education institution that is continually adding to this growing population.

The Organisational Learning Centre (OLC), a Greater Manchester College, based in Bolton, is headed by Doctor Chris Bamber and Professor John Sharp and specialises in Business Management and Science & Engineering courses.

"Our courses are available to UK and international students all year round with no fixed start date which is particularly attractive to overseas students," said Professor Sharp, formerly Professor of Organisational Excellence at the University of Salford. "We differ because, unlike other Greater Manchester Universities, we are not restricted by academic timetables."

Prior to joining the University of Salford, John worked for Rolls Royce for 8 years and at Unilever for 3 years where he was a Manager responsible for introducing New Technology, Manufacturing and Management Systems at plants throughout the world.

"All of our Tutors hold a post-graduate qualification within their specialism and have previously held a senior position within at least one leading UK organisation. This mix of academia and industrial experience is a great benefit to our students, we know how the theory we teach works in practice."

OLC consists of two faculties; OLC Europe which provides courses in Business & Management and eettec catering for Science and Engineering students. They provide a wide range of qualifications across both faculties including HND's and HNC's.

"When Chris and I established OLC in 1998 we provided training programmes to a wide range of commercial businesses worldwide, including Rest Assured, AG Glass and Azzawiya Oil Refinery Company" said John. "We quickly noted a gap in the market for a learning centre that provided flexible, bespoke courses, and therefore extended our programe to independent individuals alongside our work in the corporate world. We now have over 500 courses for students in the UK and overseas.

Students currently studying at OLC are visiting from a variety of countries including Libya, Greece, Pakistan, India, Nepal and China.

Joining Professor Sharp at the helm of OLC is Dr Chris Bamber, who, before joining OLC, worked for multinational manufacturing company Thorsmans and Co. UK Ltd.

"We developed OLC as a learning centre without boundaries," said Dr Bamber, "We aim find an educational solution to match the requirements of each individual student and company worldwide."

OLC is also a premier status provider of Institute of Credit Management courses, a City and Guilds Centre and a Chartered Institute of Environmental Health Centre.

ENDS

For more information please contact Laura Gilberts on 0161 236 5395 or email laura@whalemarketing.co.uk
More information on OLC can be found at www.olceurope.com