Finding the right course

If you are unsure about choosing the right course, returning to learn after a break, or want to find out more about the options available to you we can advise you.

What’s on offer?

We organise more than 3,500 courses and activities each year. These include courses with nationally recognised qualifications such as National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) and Information Technology Qualifications (ITQs) Our courses help you in your work or could be for your own interest and personal development.

We also offer a wide range of courses to help you get back into learning. Most of our 27 main centres have recently been refurbished with full access and have a friendly and informal atmosphere in which to learn, have fun and meet new friends. With the help of our experienced staff our main centres support more than 200 smaller venues throughout the county.

Term times

Courses vary in length and can continue throughout the year. New courses are introduced at the beginning of each term.

Autumn term 2008 – Courses start week beginning 15 September
Spring term 2009 – Courses start week beginning 5 January
Summer term 2009 – Courses start week beginning 20 April

Choosing the right course

We hope that you will find something suitable in our latest programme of courses. If you need further information:

You can telephone your nearest centre (opens in a new window) and ask for a course description sheet which gives more details. These are also available for most courses on the course search pages (opens in a new window) (opens in a new window)
The centres will be able to give you information on the availability of courses.
We offer a free confidential information and advice session if you are unsure about what to choose. Please see the Support for Learners (opens in a new window) section.
For most of our non-qualification courses it is possible to progress to another course that gives you a qualification. Your tutor or advice worker will help you decide.

How to join a course

Our courses are very popular so we advise you to enrol early to avoid disappointment.

Online: You can now use this website to book a place and pay for many of our courses online. Follow the instructions on the course search pages (opens in a new window) . This facility is not available for all courses, particularly where an initial assessment with a member of staff is required. Nor is it available for free courses.
By post: Complete the booking form and return it together with your cheque and stamped self addressed envelope to the enrolment centre that is organising your course. Booking forms are available with the course information on the course search pages (opens in a new window) .
In person: At one of our main centres.
At the first session: Only if there are places available so please contact the main centre beforehand.