Gain a free qualification during lockdown

If the idea of gaining a qualification for free from the comfort of your own home sounds appealing – then Lakes College has the perfect solution.

As new government restrictions are sweeping the nation, now is the ideal time to improve your skillset by studying one of the college’s many Distance Learning courses.

The college, based at Lillyhall, Workington, offers programmes in areas including business, management and customer service, health and social care, childcare and much more.

During the country’s first lockdown between March and August, the college helped nearly 900 people who applied to complete a distance learning course.

And this time, there are hopes to help even more people upskill and become more employable.

Ann Lynch has completed seven courses so far and would recommend others to follow in her footsteps.

The 41-year-old from Distington said it is essential for her to keep up to date with any changes in the health and social care sector, where she works as a support worker – and the programmes which she has completed have helped her achieve that.

She said: “The courses are really simple and you gain a lot of knowledge. They are really easy to complete in the timescale you are given – or even sooner depending how much time you are able to spend doing them.

“I have personally never had any trouble completing them while working, running my home and trying to be there as much as possible to support my three boys when they played rugby and football.”

The courses are flexible so students can fit them around their regular commitments, with courses typically taking 10 to 15 hours to complete.

Sharon Rogers, director of apprenticeships at Lakes College, said more people are looking to improve their skills in the current climate.

“We’ve found that people are completing extra training to secure their future,” she said. “There will be a lot of employment issues due to Covid-19 and by doing one of our Distance Learning courses, it is helping people be ahead of the game.

“We found that during the first lockdown, hundreds of people applied for our courses, either to boost their skills for their existing jobs and help further their career, or for personal reasons.

“I would urge anyone to have a look at the many courses we offer. At Lakes College we are extremely proud of the support which we give to people who are studying with us as we want them to reach their full potential.”

Ru Blackett is currently studying the Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Warehousing and Storage.

The 19-year-old said: “The course is easy to access and great to fit around my schedule. I do it in my free time and the qualification will be helpful in my current role as a director of The Victorian Candle Co.

“It’s helped me develop skills and expand my current skillset. The training advisor was informative and helpful throughout the course.”

Lakes College’s Distance Learning courses are provided under the Government’s Adult Education Budget and are free to anyone over 19, subject to eligibility checks.

There is no limit to the amount of courses you can take, and many students find themselves moving straight onto another after completion.

Anybody interested in starting a course, can speak to a college adviser to discuss their options, with no obligations to start one of the 30-plus courses.

For more information call 01946 839300.