Need to polish up your maths and English skills? Or would you like to improve your employment prospects with a specialised qualification?
Durham County Council’s Adult Learning and Skills Service offers a wide range of courses, details of which can be found in its new Autumn 2015 Learning Guide.
As well as helping students boost their skills, confidence and job prospects, courses offer the chance to meet new people and many can also lead to recognised qualifications. This year’s classes include maths and English at all levels up to GCSE equivalent, computer and technology courses and vocational qualifications in subjects including childcare, health and social care and business and administration.
The service also offers apprenticeships at intermediate and advanced level in a wide range of employment-related areas including business administration, ICT, supporting teaching and learning in schools and customer service. Courses start in September but enrolment is already underway.
Colin Ellison, Adult Learning and Skills Service learning delivery and curriculum manager, said: “Our courses are very popular with a wide range of people – from learners who are looking to gain extra qualifications to those who are simply looking for a new pastime or the chance to make new friends. In fact, a recent survey of our learners found that 98 per cent would recommend the service to their friends and family. Our apprenticeships were given an ‘outstanding’ rating by Ofsted, with the service overall being rated as ‘good’.”
Most courses are held in community venues, where they offer a friendly and welcoming learning environment. However, some are also available online, offering people the chance to learn at a time and place that is convenient for them. The Autumn Learning Guide is available to download at www.durham.gov.uk/adultlearning. You can also pick up a copy at your local library or Customer Access Point. For further information on courses and how to enrol, contact the Adult Learning and Skills Service on 03000 266 115 or email alss@durham.gov.uk