Adult Learning Service
The Adult Learning Service (ALS) helps adults and families access high-quality, inclusive learning and training.
Courses aim to improve lives and outcomes by helping people reach their potential. Learn more on our about us page.
Adults with learning disabilities
Programmes for adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities.
English for speakers of other languages
Courses for adults where English is not their first language.
Maths
Develop your confidence with numbers and gain practical maths skills through nationally recognised qualifications designed to support everyday life, employment and further learning.
English
Improve your reading, writing and communication skills through nationally recognised qualifications designed to support everyday life, employment and further learning.
Routes into employment
Gain a vocational qualification and prepare for employment in growing sectors through industry-focused training designed to develop workplace skills and confidence.
Free courses for jobs
Take the next step in your career with free Level 3 qualifications designed to help you gain in-demand skills, progress in work or move into a new sector.
Family learning
Family learning brings parents, grandparents, carers and children together to learn, grow and build confidence.
Community learning
Improve your wellbeing, build confidence for work or explore creative interests through flexible learning opportunities in a supportive environment.
Skills Bootcamps
Courses that enable and empower individuals and employers to develop key skills needed in today’s job market.
Support for learners
Support available to help you succeed in your learning.
Essential digital skills
Gain an essential digital skills qualification and develop the confidence and digital capabilities needed to access services, learn online and thrive in a digital world.
Eligibility criteria for full funding
Check your eligibility for enrolment on a course.
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Careers Service
We work with the DWP Careers Service to provide free, impartial careers information, advice and guidance. The service can help you make informed decisions about learning, training and work.
The DWP Careers Service can help you:
- assess your skills and strengths
- explore career options and next steps
- find learning and training opportunities
- understand local job opportunities
To find out more, visit the Get careers information and advice website or freephone 0800 072 0288.
Jobs and Careers Service (JCS)
The government has introduced the JCS, which offers support and advice for jobs and careers. Through its digital platform, Work Hub, users can access:
- an AI work assistant
- a CV builder
- the Find a Job service
Help and support through the JCS is available to adults aged 18 and over, as well as some eligible young people under 18.
The service may be particularly helpful if you:
- have applied for jobs but are not getting the results you hoped for
- want to change careers but are unsure where to start
- spend time searching for jobs but rarely apply
- would like support to strengthen applications and stand out to employers
For more information on the support available, visit the Jobs and Careers Service website.
Funding
The county council has contracts with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Department for Education (DfE) to provide a range of learning opportunities for adults.
We do this by working in partnership with a range of organisations and key stakeholders, delivering courses ourselves and by commissioning specialist delivery partners to work with us.
As part of our contracts and the associated funding rules, we are required to publish an accountability statement which explains how we operate in more detail, and a policy for subcontracting which outlines our delivery partners and includes our fees and charges.
Contact us
Contact us if you have a general query or would like more information.