Redcoats will turn their hands to academic improvement

Visitors to Butlin's can cut the time they devote to sunbathing, sports and self-indulgence, and instead work towards passing online tests set by the government.

After these, campers get a certificate showing their numeracy and literacy levels, which they can add to their CVs. The tests run up to GCSE level.

Education minister Ivan Lewis opened the first government-sponsored learning centre, conveniently placed between the main holiday camp at Skegness, Lincolnshire, and the beach.

Hi-de-higher standards

A range of computer programmes have been designed to help users advance at their own pace.

Mr Lewis said: "This centre is designed to help people get more out of their holiday and find an enjoyable route back into learning."

"Holidaymakers can achieve a national certificate from any exam board in literacy and numeracy up to GCSE level.

"It will be sent to their home after their holiday and could make a real difference to their CVs.

"Many people have key skills gaps that can be quickly closed with a little booster work."

The company's famous entertainers - the Redcoats - will also use the centre while off-duty, as will support staff.

It is the first educational facility of its type in a UK holiday centre.

The manager of Butlin's at Skegness, Chris Baron, said: "Our new learning centre is sited on the way from the accommodation to the beach and will attract people in.

Ho-de-hope for the future

"Once hooked, people will hopefully want to spend a little time each day enjoying this superb facility and find rewards they never expected on holiday.

"But it's not just about holiday makers - 1,800 of our Butlins staff will have access to free training, as well as parents and children in quieter times.

"Hundreds of non-holiday makers in the area will be able to use this alternative IT-oriented environment."

The Learning and Skills Council, the government agency responsible for funding and planning all post-16 education and training outside universitiesis, is running the project.

Chairman Bryan Sanderson said: "Learning should be fun. Making skills accessible means trying new and innovative delivery.

"Original ideas like this are an excellent way of making people comfortable with a return to learning, perhaps after a break for many years.