Free and flexible online courses launched to support adult learners

By Nelson and Colne College

11 Dec 2020

Adult learners in Lancashire are being encouraged to ‘take control’ and make a positive start to 2021 by boosting their health and wellbeing, retraining, improving their digital skills and/or supporting their families.

 

The new courses, which start in January, are largely free, flexible and available online, and are delivered by Nelson and Colne College Group – made up of Lancashire Adult Learning, Nelson and Colne College and Accrington and Rossendale College.

 

Free courses offered by Lancashire Adult Learning range from Maths and English programmes to digital skills for everyday life, employability courses to support learners back into work, health and wellbeing programmes to de-stress, and courses to support children with their education.

 

There are also free Lancashire Adult Learning courses for leisure, including humanities, arts and crafts, and, as an exclusive offer during this time, for online languages courses too.

 

Other provision included in the Spring offer focuses on skills for industry, supporting career development or finding employment within specific sectors. These courses are largely free, or have fee remissions or loans available.

 

Those looking to develop their professional skills have opportunities in Construction, Health and Social Care, Education and Childcare, and Hair and Beauty. There are also a range of qualifications available through the Nelson and Colne College Group University Centre.

 

Assistant Principal for Adult Learning, Andrew Parkin, said: “We really have thought long and hard about our latest course offer, and we have carefully put together a package that we feel best supports the needs of adult learners right now across Lancashire.

 

“Reflective of the times we are in, we have made even more of our courses free of charge – including our renowned languages offer – and our courses are as accessible as they have ever been, with live online classrooms or flexible online learning to fit around the commitments of learners.

 

“Whatever your motivation for learning, the new year is a fresh start for everyone, and I’m thrilled that we have a comprehensive range of courses to support adult learners in the Red Rose County.”

 

Ayesha Shahid, 41, from Burnley, lost her business as a result of the pandemic, and took advantage of Lancashire Adult Learning’s Health and Social Care ‘Hub from Home’ programme over the summer months to rapidly retrain.

 

Ayesha, who has gained employment in the care sector off the back of completing her qualifications, said: “I’m very happy with my decision and I had brilliant support from the teaching team at LAL. It’s a personal challenge for me, and I love a challenge.

 

“I really think working in care that I can add value and make a significant difference to lives. I’m also looking at doing a degree in social work which I am looking forward to. I’m totally committed to my new career in care.”

 

Debbra Walley, 36, from Chorley, gained a job in the care sector after completing employability sessions with LAL.

 

She said: “I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Lancashire Adult Learning employability team for supporting me into paid employment and towards a more positive future for my family.

 

“Working in childcare has always been my objective, I just needed the right tools and support to get me there. To now have a job in that line of work is fantastic. It has also opened up more job prospects for me. I’ve always wanted to better myself and I have an ambition to become a Teaching Assistant.”

 

Nathan Andrews, 31, from Leyland, took control of his career by completing his Barbering qualifications at an evening course with Nelson and Colne College. Previously a window fitter, he decided he wanted a new challenge and is now employed at a leading Barbering shop with a strong reputation for quality.

 

Nathan said: “It has given me the career I want to do, and I find I have more free time outside of work now, so I have a better work life balance too. Working in the industry, I’m learning all the time and picking up new skills. I take pride in my work and I have an ambition to be the best around.”

 

 

Further information about all of the new range of courses for adults can be found on Lancashire Adult Learning’s website at www.lal.ac.uk.

 

Enrolment can also be completed on the website, or by calling 0333 003 1717.

 

Latest news

1

Preston frozen dough brand has new celebrity shareholders Ant and Dec and Amy and Chris Cheadle

Preston frozen dough brand has new celebrity shareholders

18 Jul 2025

2

Wellbeing focused co-working space with its own pub in Burnley gets ready for launch Dave Scholes and Malcolm Ireland

Wellbeing focused co-working space with its own pub in Burnley gets ready for launch

18 Jul 2025

3

UK's pioneering Combat Air Flying Demonstrator is revealed Flying Combat Air Demonstrator

UK's pioneering Combat Air Flying Demonstrator is revealed

17 Jul 2025

4

A fresh brew for The Printed Cup Company The Printed Cup Company

A fresh brew for The Printed Cup Company

17 Jul 2025

5

Joe Diston from Beever and Struthers appointed to new Global IFRS leader for HLB International Joe Diston

Joe Diston from Beever and Struthers appointed to new Global IFRS leader for HLB International

17 Jul 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?
July Longer Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
29 Jul 2025 - 29 Jul 2025

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July
Longer July Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
31 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – August 14th
Navy--Event Tile.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
14 Aug 2025 - 14 Aug 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – August 14th

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 12:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Header (24).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
21 Aug 2025 - 21 Aug 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Langho, BB6 8AB

11:30 - 14:15

Morecambe Bay Walk
Walk.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
30 Aug 2025 - 30 Aug 2025

Morecambe Bay Walk

Arnside, CARNFORTH, LA5

09:30 - 14:00

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

North West Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880456273-4862066883-1-original.20241022-105445.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
24 Oct 2025 - 24 Oct 2025

North West Business Expo 2025

Bolton Stadium Hotel, Bolton, BL6 6SF

09:00 - 15:00

Lancashire Business Day 2025
241122lbvlancashiredaylhp0647web
Networking
27 Nov 2025

Lancashire Business Day 2025

Burnley FC , Burnley, BB10 4BX

12:00 - 17:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV122 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin