Start your journey with Liverpool City Council’s new adult learning guide
IT’S THE big book that could change your life.
Open it up and you’re presented with page after page of new opportunities and possibilities.
It could very well be your first step on an exciting journey of self-improvement and discovery.
Liverpool City Council has launched Learning in Liverpool, which is a guide to the part-time learning courses for adults in the city.
The 84-page prospectus is packed with information about the hundreds of courses available for adults, how you can get involved and where you can study.
And there really is something for everyone.
If you’ve ever wanted to become a dab hand at watercolours, a shutter-nutter with a passion for photography or take the cake by honing your cookery skills – then this book’s for you.
If you want to learn a language, stretch yourself with Yoga or ease yourself into Mindfulness, look no further.
As well as learning a new skill for personal development or as a new hobby, the adult learning course guide offers opportunities for those who are looking to further their career prospects or get the job they want.
There are nationally accredited courses in social care, childcare and teaching and learning. You can learn business skills, IT and computing or brush up on your literacy and numeracy with key courses in basic skills.
Liverpool City Council’s head of Adult Learning, Elaine McCausland, explains: “Each year our adult learning classes help thousands of residents achieve their goals and ambitions.
“We have put together a programme that gives people in the city the widest possible choice. We work with a network of professional tutors and mentors to provide high-quality learning experiences that can help improve people’s lives. Our courses take place at our four Adult learning venues and the mobile Digi Bus with one or more in easy reach for everyone.
“We also provide tutors in our communities and city-wide at other venues to ensure that we are in easy reach for our residents.”
The courses have been designed to be affordable, with fees starting from just £10. There are also plenty of free single taster sessions. In certain circumstances, funding may be available to help cover course costs, childcare, travel costs and examination fees.
For those looking to get job-ready support is available to boost employability through the Ways to Work programme. As well as providing financial help, Ways to Work can help with job searches, advice and guidance and even paid work experience. And if there is more than one person in your family who needs this kind of support, we also have our Households into Work team who can help.
Liverpool City Council Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Business, Economy and Skills, Cllr Gary Millar said: “No matter what your background, there’s never been a better opportunity to get involved in adult learning. From personal passions through to professional skills there is something for everyone on this year’s programme.
“If you have ever had the desire to take up something new or follow a different direction in life, but felt you have never had the time – well that life-changing moment is now!
“Our courses are designed around people’s and employer’s needs. Courses where we want to inspire and promote ambition; where we can fit in with your busy lifestyle; where we promote equality and diversity throughout all aspects of your learning journey and where we could help improve your skills, health, confidence, wellbeing and income – plus help you get on that jobs’ ladder!
“We have a huge range of programmes designed to help everyone and anyone – even the most vulnerable individuals who need that extra bit of support and mentoring. In particular, Liverpool Ways to Work is offering free tailored help to local residents aged 16 to 75 who are struggling to secure long-term employment.
“It all starts with you, so pick up a copy of our course guide and get involved. We look forward to welcoming you on your learning journey.”
- Open days and evenings are taking place throughout September and January and April 2018, with courses starting shortly after.
- You can pick up a copy of the Learning in Liverpool course guide from our Adult Learning venues, Libraries, Council Buildings or you can get all the information that you need from the council’s website: www.liverpool.gov.uk – search for ‘Adult Learning Centres’.
- You can also find out about the courses here: https://liverpool.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/adult-learning/our-courses/listed-courses/
- For more information about Liverpool’s Way to Work programme. https://liverpool.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/adult-learning/liverpool-ways-to-work/
Danielle’s driven by her dream delivery Job
It could soon be a case of ‘call the midwife’ for Danielle Wilson.
The mum-of-two from West Derby has long held the desire to pursue a career in childbirth.
And thanks to Liverpool City Council’s Adult Education Service, it’s a dream that’s getting ever-closer to becoming reality.
Danielle, 30, is mum to Lennon, aged four and Jack, aged six. She currently works part-time as a nursery assistant but with Lennon starting school in September, she’ll have a bit more time to concentrate on her true calling.
“To get into midwifery you need at least a grade C GCSE in Maths and English,” said Danielle. “I’ve already got my Maths, so I needed an evening class so I could get my English. Because of childcare issues, I also needed to study at a venue that is quite close to home.”
Danielle began her studies at nearby Ellergreen Children’s Centre. The hardworking mum has attended regularly, completed all her homework and home study assignments.
It’ also given her that ‘can-do’ spirit.
“It’s given me the confidence to go forward,” said Danielle. “I have now been accepted onto an access course for midwifery as long as I get my GCSE.”
“It’s also given me the confidence to know that I can juggle a job, a busy home life and the demands of the course work.”
If that wasn’t enough, Danielle has now signed on as a volunteer at the Women’s Hospital to get some hands-on experience in the field. She works at the Women’s every Friday and was recently hailed Volunteer of the Month by the staff.
“It’s been a lot of hard work but I have been supported every step of the way by my family and my tutors,” said Danielle. “It’s been a really worthwhile experience that hopefully means I will be able to fulfil my dream of becoming a midwife.”
