Whether you're looking to build your confidence, learn a new skill, improve your wellbeing, meet new people or explore new career opportunities, this is a great time to discover what adult learning can offer.
Throughout the week, DACES will be hosting a range of free events across Derbyshire, giving residents the chance to meet local staff, find out about courses and support available in their area, and take part in fun, informal activities.
Why adult learning matters
Learning isn't just about gaining qualifications. It can help you:
- build confidence and self-esteem
- improve your health and wellbeing
- develop practical life skills
- gain skills for work or career progression
- improve your digital skills
- meet new people and make social connections
- support your family's learning and development
- discover new hobbies and interests
Whatever your age or background, it's never too late to learn something new.
Events taking place across Derbyshire
Bolsover
- Cooking from Scratch: Fresh Pasta Making Workshop
Thursday 5 November 2026, 10am to 1pm
Bolsover Adult Community Education Centre, Castle Street, Bolsover, Chesterfield S44 6PP
Learn how to make fresh pasta and homemade sauces while developing practical cooking skills, improving confidence and picking up healthy eating tips.
Erewash
- Tune Up: Guitar for Wellbeing
Wednesday 4 November 2026, 10.30am to 12.30pm
Cotmanhay and Ilkeston Adult Community Education Centre, Bennerley Avenue, Cotmanhay, DE7 8PF
Discover how music can support wellbeing, boost confidence and bring people together. This friendly taster session is suitable for anyone interested in trying something different.
- Coffee Morning
Thursday 5 November 2026, 10am to 11am
Cotmanhay and Ilkeston Adult Community Education Centre, Bennerley Avenue, Cotmanhay, DE7 8PF
Join us for refreshments, learning activities and information about local courses and support available through DACES.
High Peak
- Wednesday 4 November 2026, 10am to midday:
Gamesley Community and Sports Centre, Melandra Castle Road, Gamesley, Glossop SK13 6UQ
Meet your local DACES team, enjoy refreshments and learn more about the courses and support available near you.
- Fairfield, Thursday 5 November 2026, 10am to midday
Fairfield Adult Community Education Centre, Victoria Park Road, Fairfield, Buxton SK17 7PE
Meet local staff, find out about courses available in your area and discover how DACES can support you to achieve your personal and professional goals.
- Tuesday 10 November 2026, 10am to midday
Glossop Adult Community Education Centre
Continue the learning journey after Get the Nation Learning Week by visiting this informal event and finding out more about opportunities in the High Peak area.
North East Derbyshire
- Tuesday 3 November 2026, 10am to midday:
Clay Cross Adult Community Education Centre, Market Street, Clay Cross, Chesterfield S45 9JE
Drop in for a free tea or coffee and chat with DACES staff about learning opportunities available in your local area. Find out how learning could help you achieve your personal goals.
South Derbyshire
- Tuesday 3 November 2026, 10am to midday:
Swadlincote Adult Community Education Centre, Rink Drive, DE11 8JL
Come along for refreshments, explore local learning opportunities and take part in a childcare taster session. Discover courses designed to support families, parents and those interested in childcare careers.
Win an air fryer!
As part of Get the Nation Learning Week 2026, everyone who enrols on a course at one of our participating events will be automatically entered into a prize draw in their local area to win an air fryer.
It's a great opportunity to take the first step on your learning journey and be in with a chance of taking home a fantastic prize.
How to enter
- Attend one of our Get the Nation Learning Week events.
- Enrol on a DACES course during the event.
- Be automatically entered into the prize draw for your local area.
No separate entry is required.
Why not bring a friend along? Enjoy a free drink and some cake, meet our friendly teams and discover how learning can help you develop new skills, improve your wellbeing, boost your confidence or support your career goals.
Competition terms and conditions apply.
Everyone is welcome
Whether you're returning to learning after many years, looking to develop new skills for work, wanting to meet new people or simply interested in trying something new, we'd love to meet you.
Our events are friendly, informal and free to attend. You don't need any previous experience or qualifications, just an interest in finding out more.
Come along, have a chat with our teams, enjoy some refreshments and discover what learning opportunities are available in your community.
Take your next step
Get the Nation Learning Week is all about celebrating the benefits of lifelong learning and helping more people discover the opportunities available to them.
Whether you're looking to gain new skills, meet new people, improve your wellbeing or explore new career opportunities, there's something for everyone.
Visit one of our local events, enjoy a warm welcome and find out how learning can open new doors.
Together, let's celebrate the power of lifelong learning during Get the Nation Learning Week 2026.
More information
See our website for more info about courses and learning opportunities, or you can speak to our friendly staff at one of the events.