Try January is here to let you learn a new skill for free

Try January is pinned as a twist on the classic Dry January month. However, instead of just ditching the booze early 2023, Try January lets you learn a new skill for free on a huge number of taster sessions.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Adult Learning and Employability team is back with another ‘Try Month’, bringing you the opportunity to try out as many different courses as you like, in one of their centres or online.

With a wide range of courses available from photography to psychology, it’s the perfect opportunity to test out a new hobby, expand your skills or broaden your knowledge.
These Try courses are completely free; all you need to do is visit the course finder website or one of the Try January promotional pages here: https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/learning/employment-education-and-skills/.

Try courses are available at learning centres in Goole, Cottingham, Bridlington and Beverley. Alternatively, you can sign up to virtual courses, available from the convenience of your own home.

Katy signed up for a Try creative writing session and continued to join the full course. “I have always enjoyed reading and loved the idea of writing a book,” Katy said. “When I saw the creative writing taster course, I decided that it was a great opportunity to explore the process. The course was really interesting, and it sparked my imagination and enthusiasm for writing.

“I decided to sign up for a 4-week course and thoroughly enjoyed the various exercises and methods that the tutor shared to help participants develop ideas, writing styles and gather inspiration. I now have a plan for a book and hope to spend more time writing in the future. These courses are a great way.

Perhaps you’re looking to release your artistic flair? Get creative through pottery in our fully kitted out studio in Cottingham. You’ll create beautifully hand-crafted gifts for family and friends along with unique home décor pieces. Alternatively, try your hand at other crafts such as crochet or soft furnishings.

Do you need to enhance your digital skills? You can start with the basics on our Try using a computer session. Or learn more specific skills and how you can improve your productivity on our word processing and spreadsheets courses.

You can learn about mindfulness, discovering how to reduce stress and help to create a better quality of life. Or take our self-esteem course to convert negative thoughts into positive thinking and explore ways that you can become more assertive.
 
Widen your understanding of Neurodiversity. Our tutors will help you to recognise how our brains all vary in behaviour and that these differences should be recognised, embraced and respected. You’ll discuss a wide range of differences in this session, from dyslexia to autism.

Would you like to become a school support worker or a qualified teaching assistant? Join our Try Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (STLS) session to find out more about working in a school environment. If you’re interested in starting or developing your career in support work this session covers how you get the qualifications and skills you need to progress.

These are just a sample of the courses available. Free taster sessions are available to support your wellbeing, skills for life and work, employability skills and certified learning. Don’t forget you can view them all here: https://eryc.link/try-jan2023.

Feel free to sign up for as many Try courses as you like, ensuring that you find the right courses for you!

Councillor Jane Evison, portfolio holder for economic growth, investment and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “These ‘Try’ courses are a fantastic way to develop skills, consider different career options and interact with people with similar hobbies. It is great to hear the creative writing course was so beneficial to Katy and this just goes on to demonstrate how residents in the East Riding can get the most out of the upcoming ‘Try January’ month.”

If like Katy, you’re interested in giving Try January a go, sign up for your free trial course today, or get in touch with our team for a chat about the courses we have available- call Tel:(01482) 887670 or drop us an email on learn@eastriding.gov.uk.