Bedford College puts on free courses over the summer for those trying to get back to work

The Bedford College Group is putting on scores of free courses to access over the summer, including during the school holidays.

Those who are preparing to get back to work post-furlough, or wanting to upgrade their skills to secure positions and promotions will be able to sign up soon.

Many of the courses will be online - with occasional visits to college venues nearby.

Faye Williams, director of adult & community learning at The Bedford College Group, said: “This is aimed at adults aged 19+ plus who want to take the time to upgrade their skills.

“They could be parents who want to use the summer holidays to improve their own English and maths to support the education of their children, or those who want to upgrade their English language or IT skills to secure employment.

“If the last year has taught us anything, it is that people are capable of adapting to new situations and so we are promoting the summer as a time for extra learning - why waste all those weeks when you could be picking up a new skill?”

You can register an interest, or view the full list of courses available online.

Mastering business basics

Alice Vacani has set up her own business offering online Art Therapy sessions and groups thanks to a free distance learning course via The Bedford College Group.

She has both an undergraduate and masters degree, is a member of the British Association of Art Therapists and works with the Health and Care Professions Council.

She works full time as an art therapist in a secure environment, dealing with people who have a range of well-being issues, but wanted to set up her own private practice so signed up for the Creating a Business Start-up course.

Alice said: “The course is at a Level 2 so I did wonder what I might learn, but it was so very useful. In my masters degree we covered the theory of business, but the practicalities of a name and logo, finances and budgets and how to prices products and services within the Level 2 Business start up were really helpful.

“The course is really versatile and would suit people with any level of education.”