New free offer of adult courses launched by Lancashire Adult Learning to meet needs of learners at this time

Lancashire Adult Learning has launched a new range of free courses designed to meet the needs of learners across the Red Rose County in the current climate.

Adult learners who are seeking to enhance their employment prospects, support their family, improve their health and wellbeing, or simply develop a hobby, can do so from the comfort of their own home.

Beginning in November, the new offer is largely available online – or flexibly to suit individual needs – and the courses have been developed being mindful of the unprecedented and challenging period of time Lancashire and its adult learners are facing this Autumn.

Courses include free employability sessions to support learners back into work, through 1:1 support on perfecting online job applications, CV development and interview preparation.

Complementing this are free Functional Skills qualifications in English, Maths and ICT, and these can be achieved in just 10 weeks on a new fast-track course designed so learners who require these valuable qualifications can achieve at home, and progress more quickly.

Essential digital skills for everyday life are a highlight feature of the new offer too, enabling learners to get to grips with an ever more digitally focused environment of laptops, tablets and smartphones.

Health and wellbeing programmes to relax, de-stress and remain positive – of paramount importance in the current climate – are included, and courses to support families and their children’s education is another area that is covered, helping parents make up for lost time with courses such as Catch Up English and Maths.

Completing LAL’s new offer are the ever-popular leisure courses, including a range of festive crafts, languages, and essential skills courses such as First Aid sessions.

Other courses for adults beginning in November are delivered by Lancashire Adult Learning’s sister colleges – Nelson and Colne College and Accrington and Rossendale College – which together form Nelson and Colne College Group.

These are more focused on skills for industry, helping learners with career development or finding employment within specific sectors such as Construction, Health and Social Care, Education and Childcare, and Hair and Beauty.

Andrew Parkin, Assistant Principal for Adult Learning at Nelson and Colne College Group, said: “Whatever the motivation for returning to learning, there has never been a better time to focus on you in the challenging times we are all experiencing.

“The range of provision beginning in November is extensive, to meet the demands of an ever-changing employment landscape, lifestyle in the digital age, family support in an chapter of increased home schooling, and health and wellbeing courses to de-stress and relax in times of uncertainty.

“The vast majority of our courses are free and are available online or flexibly, and whichever programme you choose, there will be a range of resources, tutorials and 1:1 support available to help you along the way.”

Further information about all of the new range of courses for adults this November can be found on Lancashire Adult Learning’s website at www.lal.ac.uk.

Enrolment can also be completed on the website, or by calling 0333 003 1717.