Furness College has refreshed its programme of adult education courses to boost skills as the local economy continues to recover from the pandemic.
Learners have a choice of several courses across areas including business management, accounting, engineering, catering and hospitality, hair and beauty, health and social care, construction and education.
Many of the courses are free to study for over-19s as they are fully funded if learners earn less than £17,000 a year.
Assistant principal for curriculum Sue Hannan said: “We looked at our offer and spoke to employers we realised it needed to change to reflect the new environment. We have introduced new courses including children’s welfare and mental health, technology enabled care, introduction to the hospitality industry and a daytime welding skills course.
“In addition, we have bookkeeping, hair and beauty, project management and our range of popular construction courses across plastering, carpentry and joinery, painting and decorating and bricklaying.”
Some courses are delivered at the Channelside campus, while others can be delivered via distance learning.
“Adult education has a critical role in developing the skills of the current and future workforce to deliver a strong and robust economy, particularly in periods of recovery such as now and we are committed to playing our part in this,” Sue added.
From building up youngsters to building at Furness College
Georgina Sherwood started at Furness College with a six-week award in painting and decorating as part of our offer for adult learners.
After continuing with an eight-week carousel course in construction, Georgina is now working towards a Level 1 diploma in construction skills.
She said: “I initially did the 6-week painting and decorating course to update my practical skills. I trained as a quantity surveyor after leaving school, but it was a lot of theory and not a lot of practical work so I wanted to try things that I’ve never had the chance to have a go at before.
“I really enjoyed the course for adult learners so I wanted to carry on studying construction. I have my own children and I’ve fostered children for 20 years, so after a long time of being at home and doing the school run, I wanted to do something for me. I needed an outlet and I wanted to develop my confidence and become more social. When I’m in college, it’s time for me to switch off and focus on the skills I’m developing.
“I’ve driven past the Channelside campus over the years but never gone in. It’s a big building and can be a bit daunting at first but I wish I’d come here years ago. I bumped into people I knew during induction and they made me feel welcome.
“There’s a wide range of opportunities at Furness College and it’s never too late. It’s opened my eyes to adult learning and evening courses, so I’d advise anyone to go and see the college and have a look at what’s on offer.”
