Residents are invited to sign up to learn something new this autumn with Derbyshire County Council’s Adult Community Education Service.
Bookings for a wide range of new courses starting in September opened on 3rd July and a new online system makes it easier to book, with learners able to set up an account and a profile and search by course, venue, date and time.
Meanwhile a selection of ‘Family Learning’ courses, including bushcraft and pottery, will start in August to provide learning opportunities for children and families in the school summer holidays.
Residents can view qualifications and skills courses online or pick up a brochure from their local Adult Community Education Centre or library and book online at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/adulteducation.
People can get help to book by visiting a centre – details can be found at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/ACEcentres but, locally, they are:
Cotmanhay and Ilkeston ACE Centre
Bennerley Avenue
Cotmanhay
DE7 8PF
email: cotmanhayandilkeston.ace @ derbyshire.gov.uk
Tel: 01629 531807
Long Eaton ACE Centre
Community House
173 Derby Road
Long Eaton
NG10 4LL
email: communityhouse.ace @ derbyshire.gov.uk
Tel: 01629 537384
The autumn term range of opportunities include academic courses and qualifications, languages, crafts, dance and other courses to help boost career opportunities.
Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Education Councillor Alex Dale said: “Whether you’re looking to gain a new qualification or just learn a new skill, our adult education courses cover a wide range of subjects. With options for online and face-to-face learning, there’s something for learners of all levels.
“We’re committed to ensuring adults in Derbyshire have the opportunity to gain new skills and qualifications and have made it as easy as possible with our new booking system so if it’s something you’ve been thinking about, now is a great time as a new term approaches to find out more and book on to a course.
“If you’re unsure about what course to take or have questions about changing your job we have a friendly careers team who will be happy to have a chat and offer support and advice.”
The council’s community adult education service currently supports more than 1,800 learners, including more than 100 young learners and 91 apprentices, who are engaged with community learning courses, studying qualification-based courses such as digital skills, English and maths or undertaking an apprenticeship.
Current courses include:
- Maths and English from entry level to GCSE
- ‘Multiply’ courses to help build confidence with numbers and boost job opportunities
- Mental health support
- Counselling skills
- Lip reading and signed communication
- Working with children
- Personal development such as dealing with stress and how to gain confidence
- Languages
- Digital skills such as using a computer for work.
- Free Courses for Jobs
People aged 19 or over can access Level 3 qualifications free of charge as part of the Government’s ‘Free Courses for Jobs’ scheme to help them gain the skills they need to get the job they want. Courses include:
- Level 3 diploma for the children and young people's workforce
- Level 3 diploma in children's learning and development (early years educator)
- Level 3 diploma in adult care
There are also courses available for residents who are looking to explore new skills and interests.
Courses include:
- Pottery
- Sewing
- Tap dancing
- Recycling crafts
- Floristry and many more.
For more information about Derbyshire Adult Community Education Service visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/adulteducation
Earlier this year Government inspectors praised Derbyshire County Council’s Adult Community Education Service for its ‘dedicated support’ of learners and commitment to ensuring apprentices develop the skills they need to be successful at work.
Ofsted inspectors spent four days visiting the service to speak to staff and learners and review the quality of its education provision and following that visit upgraded the service from ‘Requires improvement’ to ‘Good’.