|
FLEXIBLE ONLINE TRAINING
Information technology (I.T.) - Computer training:
Learndirect offer in excess of 750 courses to choose from. They also have in the region of 1,700 Learndirect centres situated throughout the UK. You may also qualify for financial assistance with courses.
To find out more information phone Learndirect on: 0800 101901 (it’s free)
The Learndirect website can be found at the following: www.learndirect.co.uk
“Learndirect courses can take from just 15 minutes to a few hours to complete. And because they are broken down into bite-sized chunks you can learn at your own pace and dip in and out of them whenever you like.” (Taken from booklet: About Learndirect: Helping you achieve your goals)
Learndirect offer over 750 courses in four main areas:
OTHER COMPUTER BASED OPTIONS
Michrotech provide free computer training.
Training covers NVQ levels 1 -3
Free training for 16 - 24 year olds + weekly training allowances paid.
Age 25 and over, training offered includes European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL). Further training on offer includes job seeking and personal development skills. Please note, if you do these courses you are likely to receive an extra £10.00 on your benefits and have your travel expenses paid.
Telephone for information: 01745 356006:
COLLEGES
Established colleges offer some excellent opportunities for acquiring new skills.
COLEG LLANDRILLO
Coleg Llandrillo Cymru, run courses that lead to postgraduate, higher education and further education qualification. For example, Coleg Llandrillo offers you the choice of 50 Higher Education courses (HE).
You could be offered a place at Coleg Llandrillo based on ‘work, voluntary experience or commitment.’
Coleg Llandrillo offer a diverse range of courses such as: Care Practice and Management, Creative and Interactive Media, Environmental Services, Building, Motor Vehicle Management, Salon Management etc. etc. etc.
Contact Coleg Llandrillo for more information by telephone: 01492 542339
Coleg Llandrillo’s website can be found at: www.llandrillo.ac.uk
NEWI
NEWI is a local university course provider (University of Wales Associated College), situated in North Wales. NEWI recognises those who do not have any formal qualifications. Application to NEWI is not based on any formal qualifications.
To quote the College: “We therefore value experience and personal qualities when considering applications.” - “education isn’t just in schools …experience counts” (2003)
Contact NEWI for more information by telephone on: 01978 293045
Alternatively you can visit the NEWI website at: www.newi.ac.uk
Point of interest, financial assistance is available in conjunction with various courses at NEWI. Quote from NEWI, “you may even have your fees paid under the funding council’s fee waiver scheme.”
OTHER COLLEGES OF INTEREST INCLUDE:
COLEG MENAI: Bangor www.menai.ac.uk
COLEG MEIRION-DWYFOR: Llanwnda www.meirion-dwyfor.ac.uk
DEESIDE COLLEGE: Deeside www.deeside.ac.uk/newdc/home-home.php
DENBIGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Denbigh www.llandrillo.ac.uk/denbigh/default.htm
SECOND CHANCE: DEESIDE COLLEGE: Deeside www.deeside.ac.uk/newdc/courses-secondchance.php
The above list of colleges is not exhaustive.
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
THE WELSH COLLEGE OF HORTICULTURE
Perhaps you prefer something a little more practical and earthy? If so then have a look at The Welsh College of Horticulture.
The Welsh College of Horticulture offers courses for those who are perhaps a little more in touch with nature. For example, the course list includes Equine Studies, Gardening Design, Animal Studies, Floristry, Machinery, Information Technology and Horticulture etc. The College offers courses across Wales and the North West.
The College runs Higher education courses that range from entry level through to advanced Higher National Diploma (HND).
For more information about courses telephone: 01352 841000
Alternatively, checkout the College website at: www.wcoh.ac.uk
Quote: “We offer a friendly environment to study and a fantastic facilities including a centre of excellence in floristry, environmental laboratories, landscaping skills centre and modern equine unit.”
ADULT RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE
Adult residential colleges offer an excellent alternative opportunity for learning new skills. Residential colleges specialise in providing adult learning to ‘anybody’ returning to education. At a residential college it is possible to obtain a bursary that will provide you with money whilst you learn!
There are a number of adult residential colleges situated around the UK, possibly about six. This text will inform you about two adult residential colleges below. However, note there is only one adult residential college in Wales, Coleg Harlech.
Coleg Harlech is located on the North West coast of Wales, on the edge of the village of Harlech. The second adult residential college that will be talked about here is Northern College. Northern College is located near to Barnsley, at Wentworth Castle.
COLEG HARLECH
NB. No formal qualifications required to be offered a place of study at Coleg Harlech. However, you will have to demonstrate a commitment to learning and be over approximately 19-20 years of age to qualify.
Note that Coleg Harlech offers courses at both residential status and day status due to a merger with the Workers’ Education Association (WEA).
On the residential basis, Coleg Harlech offers a nine-month course culminating with a Foundation Diploma (usually accredited by the University of Wales). The Foundation Diploma will allow you to study a flexible modular based programme in one of the following areas: Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Social Sciences, Information Technology and a Certificate in Higher Education. It is now also possible to take an Access to Nursing course, leading to studying for a degree in nursing.
Contact Coleg Harlech by telephone for more details on: 01766 781900
Coleg Harlech’s website can be found at the following: www.harlech.ac.uk
Former Coleg Harlech students generally say words to the effect of:
Former Coleg Harlech student 1 says:
“Before I came to Coleg Harlech I was under a mental health team getting through the after effects of post traumatic stress disorder and addiction.] [Coming to Coleg Harlech has totally changed my life, it’s not just an education it’s a life changing experience.” (Coleg Harlech learning for life, 2003, Anonymous contribution)
Former Coleg Harlech student 2 says:
“Before I attended Coleg Harlech I was deeply unhappy with the direction of my life. I’d been eighteen months in the wilderness (heavy drinking and lack of sleep) following a long-term relationship and subsequent marriage break-up. Effectively, I’d given up my career and I’d lost all faith in my abilities. I was, to put it mildly, a mess and a social hermit. Coleg Harlech helped me to make some sense of the mess and further to change my life. For me personally, Coleg Harlech gave me an excellent base to further my education and a life experience that I will never forget. Coleg Harlech saved my life! (1999 Anonymous contribution)
Full-time residential students at Coleg Harlech can expect to receive up to £3580, at present. A Child Care Grant can also be awarded to the value of £114.00 for those who have one child, or £170.00 for those have two children, per week. Enquire…
For further details contact the grants officer on 01766 780363. Don’t forget, along with any grant, a residential student at Coleg Harlech is provided with adequate accommodation and three meals a day for approximately nine months. If you go to Coleg Harlech you will meet a diverse range of people. Think on, you’ll get paid to learn and have fun! Fun, sand, sea and education for nine months!
NORTHERN COLLEGE
NB. No formal qualification required to be offered a place of study at Northern College. However, you will need to demonstrate a commitment to learning and be 20 years of age and over to qualify.
Northern College, like Coleg Harlech, offers courses at both residential status and day status. ‘Free Short Courses: Northeren Colleges Pathways Programme, Free Short Courses including FREE residential accommodation, childcare & meals. 2003 to 2004 in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University.’
On a residential basis, Northern College offers The Northern College Diploma (Northern College runs courses in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University). The Northern College Diploma will allow you to study a very flexible modular programme. The choice of modules include: Psychology, Information & Communication Technology, Law, Women’s Studies, Environmental Studies, Literature and Culture Studies, European Studies etc. etc. etc. The Northern College Diploma will give you access to Higher Education.
Contact Northern College for further details by telephone on: 01226 776010
Northern College’s website that can be found at the following: www.northern.ac.uk
Northern College can provide a rewarding and life changing experience. Ultimately, if you choose to study at Northern College you will meet a diverse assortment of people who come from all types of backgrounds.
If you are offered a place on a full-time education course at Northern College, it is more than likely you will be awarded an adult education bursary. Such a bursary will pay for your tuition and accommodation fees, ‘and other term-time living expenses’ (see leaflet titled Northern College Diploma). Socialise, study and have fun for nine months!
|
