A BANK has set up an in-house university for its 5,000 staff in the north west.

Barclays University is based in the regional headquarters in Manchester city centre.

It is Barclays’ second learning centre of its kind in the UK - the first was opened earlier this year in Birmingham.

An entire floor at the bank’s Mosley Street offices has been converted into classrooms and study areas.

Employees can brush up on their professional skills via traditional learning methods as well as through Internet and CD-Rom packages.

They can also take courses in subjects ranging from languages, poetry, yoga and bricklaying. Advisers are on hand to guide students.

In addition, Barclays have made available £150 grants which employees can spend on any course they choose.

Training

John Allen, Barclays’ north west regional corporate director, said: ‘‘The opening of the Barclays University Metro Centre in Manchester is great news for our staff in the north west. It will provide access to state-of-the-art training facilities, enabling excellent self-development opportunities. Staff are looking forward to using the centre.’’

Barclays plans to open up to eight more regional universities, starting in the north east over the next 18 months.

The launch follows the arrival of Matt Barrett as chief executive from the Bank of Montreal, which had a similar scheme.

Paul Rudd, the Barclays University supremo, said: ‘‘There are no jobs for life any more and there is a social change towards learning.

‘‘People realise they have a responsibility to develop themselves, and we are providing them with the support to meet that challenge.’’

The project has been praised by Manchester-born Education and Skills Secretary Estelle Morris, who said: ‘‘This is a great example of how employers can help their employees boost their skills and qualifications.

‘‘Flexible workplace learning opportunities help to make sure that learning becomes a lifelong experience.’’