The Adult Learning Service for Cumbria has launched a new programme of courses for the 2024/25 academic year.

Hosted by Westmorland & Furness Council and Cumberland Council, the Adult Learning Service has just published a new brochure detailing a wide range of courses which can help learners to develop their skills, pick up a new hobby, enhance their CV, or improve their health and wellbeing.

Courses include, Building Confidence for Employment, Essential Digital Skills, How Maths can help you and Art for Wellbeing, and are in addition to a wide range of courses already on offer by the service supporting learners, as they accomplish their goals and inspiring them to achieve their full potential.

There are a wide range of courses on offer for people at all levels and interests, both accredited/qualification and non-qualification.

With an Ofsted rating of ‘Good’, 94% of learners satisfied and 97% saying the courses met their expectations, there’s never a better time to get involved.

Based in the six main localities (Barrow, Penrith, Kendal, Carlisle, Whitehaven and Workington and surrounding areas), learners will be supported throughout the course with help and guidance from the service’s expert staff.

Many of the courses are entirely free or subsidised so that learners don’t have to spend a penny, and learning is more flexible than ever, with courses delivered both face-to-face and online, so they can choose the route that’s right for them.

If you are interested or know someone that would be interested, visit the Adult Learning website at: adultlearningcumbria.org for more information and to find your local Adult Learning centre.

Councillor Sue Sanderson, Cabinet Member for Education, Inclusion and Skills, said:

“We’re really pleased to launch this academic year’s courses for Cumbria, helping and inspiring people to further their skills for whatever the reason, whether to progress in their career, to achieve personal goals or learn something for fun.

“Over 6000 learners make this important decision each year to learn with us, a service that supports you to get the most out of your experience. They tell us what they study has helped them to develop new skills, try out a new hobby, gain a qualification, advance their career, find a new job, build their confidence, and support their wellbeing.

“Our highly experienced tutors have years of experience in supporting people to take their skills to the next level, and now that could be you. So, I encourage anyone thinking about taking that next step, to get in touch with the team and see what you can achieve!”

Councillor Elaine Lynch, Cumberland Council Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Development, added:

“Whether you’re looking to brush up on your digital skills, want to work on your employability or take some time for your health and wellbeing with our arts and crafts courses, there is something for everyone.

“We have hundreds of classes across Cumbria running at times to suit everyone including some online for those who are not able to make the face-to-face classes.

“See what opportunities we have to offer and join thousands of learners who have added to their lives through learning.”