New chance for adult learners to fill Cumbria skills gap

ADULTS who want to re-skill and re-train can study free courses at Lakes College as part of an initiative to boost the Covid recovery plan.

Previously, Level 3 qualifications – the equivalent of an A-level – were only fully funded up to the age of 23 but under the Government’s National Skills Offer this has now been extended to those over 24 for a selection of courses.

The Lillyhall college is currently offering eight courses in areas including construction, engineering, painting and decorating, dementia and end-of-life care, early years and children and young people’s workforce.

Sharon Rogers, the college’s Director of Apprenticeships, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to develop knowledge and skills to help people stand out from others to gain employment or to progress with employers.”

The majority of courses will be on a one-to-one basis with training advisers.

One of the courses is Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma in Engineering (Automation & Robotics) and will be delivered by National College for Nuclear (NCfN) staff.

It will be hands-on and taught through evening courses, starting on May 19.

Paul Fairclough, Director of Teaching and Learning at the NCfN, said: “Skill gaps have been identified by local employers and the course content has been developed to meet these requirements.

“As well as leading to employment opportunities the course attracts UCAS points meaning that it provides direct access to degree-level courses. Therefore it is ideal for adults who are wanting to retrain and enter the engineering sector.”

The college is also offering adults a free beginners’ course for digital skills, which will take place in the college and be taught by tutors who are experts in the field.

To find out more about any of the courses, visit www.lcwc.ac.uk or call 01946 839300.