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 9 October 2017, 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: Wednesdays, 10am to 1pm (starting 8 November 2017 for 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 6 October 2017 for three weeks)
Where: The Campus, Highlands Lane, Weston-super-Mare, BS24 7DX

Stress free IT

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: Wednesdays, 3.30pm to 6pm (starting 4 October 2017  for eight weeks)
Where: Nailsea School, Mizzymead Road, Nailsea, BS48 2HN

Digital photography

A course aimed at providing learners with basic IT skills used for digital photography e.g. saving and sharing images, transferring images from device to PC, using photo editing software and that will improve general confidence with computer skills.

When: dates for this course are to be confirmed
Where: Portishead Library, Horatio House, 24 Harbour Road, Portishead, BS20 7AL

Introduction to British sign language

Learn sign language skills to help communication with friends, family or customers who have hearing difficulties.

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

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

 

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: Thursdays (starting 9 November 2017 for three weeks)
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 (starting 19 September 2017 for three weeks)
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 25 September 2017 for 10 weeks)
Where: Locking and Locking Castle Children’s Centre, The Campus, Highlands Lane, Weston-super-Mare, BS24 7DX

and

When: Thursdays, 12.30pm to 2.30pm (starting 14 September 2017 for 12 weeks)
Where: Nailsea and Backwell Children’s Centre, Pound Lane, Nailsea, BS48 2NP

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

Family learning

Family learning programs help parents to support their children’s learning and to improve their own skills. We offer several courses designed to involve children and/or any of their family members including parents, grandparents and carers

When: dates for this course are to be confirmed
Where: the venue for this course is to be confirmed

 

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

Basic computer skills

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: Mondays and Thursdays, 9.30am to 11.30am (starting 11 September 2017 for five weeks)
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: Mondays and Thursdays, 11.30am to 1.30pm (starting 11 September 2017 for five weeks)
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 19 September 2017 for 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 18 October 2017 for 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-3pm (starting 19 September 2017 for 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 18 October 2017 for 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 to 4pm (starting 11 September 2017 for 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: Wednesdays, 12.30pm to 3 pm (starting 13 September 2017 for two 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: Mondays, 1.30pm to 4 pm (starting 18 September 2017 for eight weeks)
Where: Carlton Centre, Carlton Street, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1UA