Community learning courses

Community learning offers free or low cost courses for adults aged 19 or over with few or no qualifications. Courses aim to improve employability, health, wellbeing and confidence.

We work within the Community Learning West consortium, along with Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council.

 

Finding work in cleaning

This short course is for those who wish to work as cleaners and would like additional information to improve their chances of finding employment. The course gives tips about effective cleaning methods, information about local opportunities, tips for success in job interviews, health and safety, and COSHH awareness.

When: starting Monday 4 June 2018, 10am to 1pm, two weeks
Where: The Sub Station at The Information Station, St Andrews Parade, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 3SS

Improving your customer service skills

Customer care skills are vital in most job roles, particularly in reception, telesales and retail work.  This short course will help jobseekers prepare for interview and improve skills for work.  Course content includes: effective listening and questioning skills; considering customer diversity and needs; managing difficult customers, respecting customer confidentiality; exploring local employment opportunities, and tips for a successful interview.

When: starting Monday 2 July 2018, 10am to 1pm, four weeks
Where: The Sub Station at The Information Station, St Andrews Parade, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 3SS

Introduction to self-employment – becoming your own boss

This short course provides information to help you plan your business effectively. Including developing a business plan and pitching your business idea. Raising finance or start-up loans, manage finances, tax and VAT, researching your market and complying with legal requirements.

When: Fridays, 10am to 1pm, (starting Friday 25 May 2018 for three weeks)
Where: The Campus, Highlands Lane, Weston-super-Mare, BS24 7DX

Improve your computer skills

Create a formal letter, fill in and update online forms, use a search engine for jobs and benefits, upload a CV to a job website, email and attachments, staying safe in a digital world.

When: dates for this course are to be confirmed
Where: Nailsea School, Mizzymead Road, Nailsea, BS48 2HN

British sign language

This course will benefit volunteers who wish to develop sign language skills to communicate better with customers and colleagues who have hearing loss or other communication difficulties. By the end of the course participants will be able to use British sign language for customer service skills to communicate and translate phrases using a variety of techniques including deaf awareness, descriptive signs and finger spelling alphabet.

When: Fridays, 10am to noon (starting 4 May for ten weeks)
Where: Carlton Centre, Carlton Street, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1UA

Prepare to pass the driving theory test

This course gives support and tuition to improve chances of passing the theory test. Develop confidence using a computer for the test. Practice answering questions and learn how to approach theory and hazard perception. Learn how to stay safe and legal on the roads, and how to book the test.

When: dates for this course are to be confirmed
Where: Carlton Centre, Carlton Street, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1UA

Woodwork for women

An introduction to woodwork for complete beginners in a relaxed, non-competitive environment. Learn hands-on skills and carpentry techniques. Build confidence to safely use hand tools. Information about options for gaining more skills and/or experience.

When: Mondays, 9.30am to 2.30pm (starting Monday 4 June 2018 for five weeks)
Where: Weston College South West Skills Campus, Locking Road, Weston-super-Mare, BS22 8NL

Time for me

An informal, fun course for carers. Learn how to look after YOU to help you feel better informed, healthier and happier.
The course will cover: your health and well-being, information about your rights as a carer, tips to feel more confident about requesting support, being good to yourself, quizzes and fun activities, planning for change, where to get further advice and support. The course is free for carers.

When: dates for this course are to be confirmed
Where: The Campus, Highlands Lane, Weston-super-Mare, BS24 7DX

 

Care Academy

The Care Academy offers a three week training programme with a guaranteed interview and the chance to gain a recognised care qualification, as well as food hygiene and health and safety certificates. They will also help with childcare and transport. The Care Academy is offered in partnership by Alliance Living Care, Weston College, Community Learning West and the Job Centre.

When: Monday 23 April 2018
Where: Weston College South West Skills Campus, Locking Road, Weston-super-Mare, BS22 8NL

 

Introduction to childcare

This course explores the range of services provision and roles within the early years and childcare. Some of the topics cover the principles and values when working within the early years and childcare sector, how to communication and engage with children in the early years settings and awareness of working with others. After completing the course, you’ll receive an accreditation through City & Guilds in Level 1 Award Preparing to Work in Childcare sector. Guidance to progress onto a Level 2 course is also given at the end of the course

When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9.45am to 1pm (starting 17 April, six sessions)
Where: The Campus, Highlands Lane, Weston-super-Mare, BS24 7DX

English for parents in Weston

This is a course for Parents who haven’t got English as their first language. The contents of this course will support the learners in developing their English language skills needed for their everyday life, including employment. As this course is for parents with children at school age, some content will focus on how to support their children at school with homework, attending parents’ evening and understanding the English educational system.

When:  Mondays, 10am to noon (starting April, 11 sessions)
Where: Locking and Locking Castle Children’s Centre, The Campus, Highlands Lane, Weston-super-Mare, BS24 7DX

and

When: Thursdays, 10am to 12pm (starting Thursday 19 April, 12 sessions)
Where: Portishead Children’s centre, St Barnabas centre, 105 West Hill, Portishead, Bristol BS20 6LR

Healthy eating

This is a course where you can explore healthier alternatives to your diet and prepare simple dishes from scratch. We will also be looking at the cookery books and magazines that you can access at your local library.

When: dates for this course are to be confirmed
Where: Victoria Methodist Church, Station Road, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1XU

 

Get Growing

Get Growing is an eight week unaccredited training course develop by growing together team. Week by week you will learn all the essentials skills and techniques to help you grow fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables.

When: Wednesdays, 12.30 – 3.30pm (starting 9 May for 10 weeks)
Where: Great Rhyne Allotments (behind Windwhistle Circle), Weston-super-Mare, BS23 3TZ

 

English for Life and Work

This course is for speakers of other languages. The course will help you to improve your English language skills: conversation, reading and writing. We will talk about life and work environment in the UK, learn how to access local services, apply for jobs, write your CV and cover letter.

When: Mondays, 7pm to 9pm (starting 16 April for 12 weeks)
Where: Carlton Centre, Carlton Street, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1UA

English for parents in Clevedon

This is a course for parents who haven’t got English as their first language. The contents of this course will support the learners in developing their English language skills needed for their everyday life, including employment. As this course is for parents with children at school age, some content will focus on how to support their children at school with homework, attending parents’ evening and understanding the English educational system.

When: Mondays, 12.30pm to 2.30pm (starting 16 April 2018, 12 weeks)
Where: The Barn, Clevedon Children’s Centre, Great Western Road, Clevedon, BS21 6HB

Introduction to hospitality

This course is for those interested in career in hospitality. The course will be run by the Hilton hotel manager offering recruitment opportunity. Learners will learn about Health and Safety, gain customer service skills and learn about career progression within hotel industry. After completing the course learners will have an opportunity to talk to employers from Premier Inn in Weston and get a mock interviews or work experience.

When: dates for this course are to be confirmed
Where: Carlton Centre, Carlton Street, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1UA

Introduction to office skills

This course is for those interested in career in administration. The content of the course will help the learners to get new skills applicable to the office jobs. The course will cover business communication, office equipment, business emails and formal letters. The learners will have an opportunity to talk with a local employer and learn what skills are required for the job. After completing the course learners will get an opportunity to progress into getting an accredited qualification with Weston college.

When: Wednesdays, 1oam to 3pm (starting 18 April, four weeks)
Where: Clevedon Library, 37 Old Church Rd, Clevedon, BS21 6NN

Social Media

This is a short course to help people improve their Social Media Skills to be able to use the information towards employment. The course will cover useful tips on how to use social networks like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to find work and volunteering opportunities in North Somerset. The course is also useful for those who are self-employed or thinking about starting their own business. You will learn how to promote your services and products via social media.

When: Wednesday 2 May, 9.30am to 1.30pm
Where: The Hive, 6 Beaufighter Road, Weston-super-Mare, BS24 8EE

Understanding cycling and bike maintenance

This is a short course to help people understand the benefits of cycling, route planning, health & safety and basics of the bike maintenance. After completing the course the learners will get £50 off the cost of the refurbished bike.

When: Tuesday 1 May and Friday 4 May, 10am to 1pm
Where: The Sub Station at The Information Station, St Andrews Parade, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 3SS

Event and project management

This course will help people to understand the basics of project management. Learners will have a chance to learn new skills like time and budget management, team work and communication skills. The learners will be planning a real fundraising event that will take place on Wednesday 20 June to celebrate the Adult Learning Week.

When: Tuesdays and Fridays, 1.30pm-3.30pm (starting on 8 May, 10 sessions)
Where: Carlton Centre, Carlton Street, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1UA

 

Surfing for seniors

This IT course will help the learners to find out more about online service. The course will cover online banking, online shopping, online dating and online communication.

When: Tuesdays, 9.30am to 12.30pm (starting on 24 April 2018, 8 weeks)
Where: Carlton Centre, Carlton Street, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1UA

Business skills

This practical course will cover setting up an e-mail account, accessing universal job match, creating/updating your CV. You will also learn how to write covering letters/emails, search internet job sites and develop an awareness of social media.

When: Mondays and Thursdays, 9.30am to 11.30am (starting on 23 April, five weeks)
Where: Carlton Centre, Carlton Street, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1UA

Introduction to IT

A very basic introduction to computers, covering everything from how to turn it on, to word processing, emails and the internet. Opportunity to get a City & Guilds Level 3 qualification.

When: dates for this course are to be confirmed
Where: Carlton Centre, Carlton Street, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1UA

Intermediate IT

For those who wish to re-visit the basic skills of computing and refresh and improve their ability.

When: dates for this course are to be confirmed
Where: Carlton Centre, Carlton Street, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1UA

Managing the emotion of anger

This course will help you to explore anger as well as teach methods and strategies to manage it. Managing anger is not just about dealing with explosive anger but also about suppressed anger, angry feelings and unexpressed strong emotions or feelings.

When: Tuesdays, 10am to noon (starting on 17 April, 10 weeks)
Where: Carlton Centre, Carlton Street, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1UA

Building self confidence

This course will help you explore self-confidences using mindfulness and other techniques. The learners are encouraged to explore what prevents them from being confident and how they can improve and move forward.

When: Wednesdays, 1pm to 2.30pm (starting on 18 April, eight weeks)
Where: Carlton Centre, Carlton Street, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1UA

Mindfulness

This course will help you to learn the basics of how this meditation technique can help you live your life more fully, be more fully engaged in your day-to-day life, manage anxiety, depression stress, chronic pain and illness.

When: Tuesdays, 1pm to 3pm (starting on 17 April, eight weeks)
Where: Carlton Centre, Carlton Street, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1UA

Life Skills

This course will help you to develop life and coping skills. It will assist you to manage and understand life situations, enabling you to deal more effectively with everyday life. Topics covered in the course are: effective communication, stress management, self-confidence, assertiveness, relaxation and meditation and goal setting and action planning.

When: Wednesdays, 10am to noon (starting on April 18, 10 weeks)
Where: Carlton Centre, Carlton Street, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1UA

Improve your English skills

This course is aimed at helping people with all aspects of reading, spelling, punctuation and grammar in a supportive and positive environment.

When: Mondays 2pm-4pm (starting 16 April, 10 weeks)
Where: Carlton Centre, Carlton Street, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1UA

Money matters

Take control of your finances and create a monthly budget that works for you using Excel Spreadsheet. The budget will help you see where your money is going, so it’s easier to make sure you’ve covered all the things you need to pay. Keep on top of your bills and learn how to keep out of debt.

When: Mondays and Thursdays, 1.30pm to 3.30pm (starting on 23 April, five weeks)
Where: Carlton Centre, Carlton Street, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1UA

Intermediate Jewellery Making

Learn how to combine wire and beads to make beautiful jewellery and home accessories. Varied techniques using a range of hand tools. This fun, supportive course is suitable for those with some experience.

When: dates for this course are to be confirmed
Where: Carlton Centre, Carlton Street, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1UA