As children and young people return to school this September, adults across the East Riding are being encouraged to think about their own skills, and opportunities to learn.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Adult Learning and Employability service offers supportive courses for adults aged 19 and over, helping residents build confidence, improve everyday skills, gain qualifications and take their next step towards work, volunteering or further study.
Courses are available at Adult Learning centres in Beverley, Bridlington, Cottingham and Goole, with online learning options also available.
The service supports adults at all stages of life. Courses can help residents improve their English, maths or digital skills, develop their language skills if English is not their first language, build confidence, improve wellbeing, prepare for work or gain a qualification.
Support is available for practical everyday skills such as reading letters, filling in forms, writing emails, budgeting, using phones and computers, getting online, applying for jobs and preparing for interviews.
Residents do not need to know their level or be ready for a qualification before getting in touch. The Adult Learning team can help learners start at the right point, build confidence and progress when they are ready.
One learner who has benefited from the service is Rebecca Gorman, who works at Riverside School as lunchtime support and would like to qualify as a teaching assistant.
Rebecca has progressed from Entry Level 3 English to Level 2 English and is continuing to develop her maths and English skills to support her future career goals.
Rebecca said: “Adult Learning has helped me in many ways, including confidence, preparation and my ability to do the work.
“In the centre that I attend, people are so patient, incredibly understanding and go at my pace. At every step of the way there is always help and someone to guide you. It makes me want to learn even more and achieve more because I know I can do it.”
Another learner, Margaret Coupland, started attending her local Adult Learning centre after experiencing a difficult period in her life. She first took part in a Tailored Learning course to help her use a computer and has since enrolled on other courses, including Welcome to Wellbeing, mindfulness and Let’s Talk Money.
Through Adult Learning, Margaret has rebuilt her confidence, developed new skills and started to reconnect with activities she enjoys.
Margaret said: “The Adult Learning service has been fantastic in helping me regain my confidence and learn new skills. Whatever your age or experience, the service can help.”
Councillor Anne Handley, East Riding of Yorkshire Council Leader, said: “September is often a time when families are thinking about education and new routines, but learning is not just for children and young people.
“Our Adult Learning and Employability service helps residents build confidence, improve skills and take positive next steps at any stage of life.
“Whether someone wants to improve their English, maths or digital skills, return to learning, gain a qualification, or move closer to work or volunteering, support is available across the East Riding.”
Residents can find out more about East Riding Adult Learning courses by visiting www.eastriding.gov.uk/learning/employment-education-and-skills, calling 01482 887670, or emailing learn@eastriding.gov.uk.
