Applications open at college

South Lanarkshire College part-time applications are now open for August entry.

Almost half of the student body (46 per cent) of over 2000 students are studying a course around their lifestyle by learning part-time.

This demonstrates the demand for college courses which fit around life choices such as full-time jobs, caring commitments, and social lives.

Full-time study can be out of the question for many, and applicants may wish to study in ways which suit their busy lifestyles.

In many cases a part-time course can take longer to complete, however students will continue to cover the same syllabus, assignments, classes, and exams as full-time students, meaning that they get the same great experience, knowledge and skills whilst studying flexibly to meet their needs.

Part-time student Fraser Linton said:“I embarked on the HNC in Childhood Practice course at South Lanarkshire College after deciding I’d like a change in career.

“I chose to study at the college because it offered me the flexibility to complete the course on a part-time basis, two nights a week while I was still working.”

Since graduating, Fraser’s gone on to secure full-time employment as an

Early Years Worker at Avondale Early Learning & Childcare – quite the change from his previous role as an assistant manager of a leisure centre.

Fraser is loving his new role and is delighted to have chosen a career path change via a part-time course route.

South Lanarkshire College depute principal Stella McManus said: “Part-time courses at South Lanarkshire College are delivered in a variety of ways. If students choose to study a part-time day course, they will be offered infill opportunities across a range of full-time courses.

“This means students can study individual modules from a full-time course, daytime or online to suit current home and work commitments.

“Another popular mode of study is evening classes. Our learning from the pandemic means that some of our evening courses follow a blended learning delivery model, which means if suitable you can study from the comfort of your own home.

“Students at South Lanarkshire College frequently choose part-time study to gain additional skills relevant to their field of work. Taking up additional studies on top of office hours can be challenging but it can also be motivational, enabling students to fast-track their career, boost their confidence and increase their sense of achievement.”

HNC Quantity Surveying student Olivia Usher completed the course at South Lanarkshire College as part of the college’s part-time programme.

She said:“Being in college part-time gave me the opportunity to learn in the classroom one day a week, whilst gaining practical skills on site the rest of the time.

“I felt this best of both worlds approach really benefitted me, as I got to see the theory, I was learning in the classroom being used in the real world of work.”

Olivia is now working full-time as a quantity surveying assistant for a bricklaying company.

Courses on offer range from Construction Management to Care Services and Maths to Maternity Services.

South Lanarkshire College also offer a range of SVQ and work-based learning opportunities, with many fully funded courses under initiatives such as the National Transition Training Fund and Flexible Work Workforce Development Fund.

The funds are available to employers and employees allowing those in employment the opportunity to upskill in their chosen field.

Find more on information on part-time courses at South Lanarkshire College at www. south-lanarkshire-college.ac.uk/ part-time-study/