On course in the new year

HUNDREDS of parttime day, evening and weekend courses are now open for enrolment from the county council’s adult learning service.

The courses are ideal for people looking to learn new skills, improve their job prospects or develop a new interest in 2020.

Courses are available on a wide range of subjects, and at venues across the county. Classes begin in January and are open for enrolment now on the council’s website.

Courses on offer range from one-off two-hour sessions to 15-week courses and full 30-week programmes. They include languages, English for speakers of other languages (ESOL), British Sign Language, computer skills, art, fused glass, jewellery making, knitting, patchwork and quilting, and confidence building.

Richard Blunt, cabinet member for heritage, leisure and arts, said: “With 2020 on the way, a lot of people will be thinking about learning a new skill or taking up a new interest. These adult learning courses offer the ideal opportunity to turn that resolution into reality.”

Free courses are also available for people seeking work and looking to gain basic skills, including planning first steps towards employment, increasing confidence, help with online job searching, CV writing and interview skills. As well as traditional English and maths GCSE, functional skills, first aid, food safety in catering qualifications plus many others aimed at giving learners the tools to progress.

Anyone who enrols on a course before 31 January 2020 will receive an early bird discount of 10 per cent off the tuition fee. People in receipt of certain benefits, or on a low income, can get a 70 per cent discount on tuition fees, or may be entitled to attend for free.

For more information, visit the website www. leicestershire.gov.uk/ golearn or pick up a brochure from any Leicestershire library or learning centre. Advisors from the adult learning service can also be contacted on 0800 988 0308 (lines open Monday – Friday 9am -7pm).