Leek College is celebrating Adult Learners’ Week by linking up with local work clubs to enhance employment opportunities for residents of the Staffordshire Moorlands.
Courses in emergency first aid, health and safety and food safety are being offered free of charge this week to jobseekers in receipt of benefits.
The opportunities are being funded by the Staffordshire County Council Adult and Community Learning Service, following a linkup with Neighbourhood Regeneration Officer Louise Harley and Staffordshire Moorlands Council for Voluntary Services.
Louise Harley, from Moorlands Housing, runs work clubs in Leek, Cheadle, Biddulph and Blythe Bridge in partnership with Rob Arnold from Staffordshire Moorlands Community & Voluntary Services. Over 40 people have signed up to the short courses, to be run by Leek College lecturers at the Leek campus and at the Kingsfield Centre in Biddulph.
Louise said: “We have researched the jobs market and recognise that people need qualifications in things such as basic food hygiene, health and safety and first aid, to meet the requirements of many local employers.
“This initiative with Leek College is a great example of successful partnership working. We are delighted to have the experts on hand to deliver the training and boost people’s employment opportunities here in the Staffordshire Moorlands.”
Leek College has many vocational courses on offer to adults throughout the year. Would-be learners over the age of 19 are invited to a special Open Evening at the Leek College campus, in Stockwell Street, this Thursday (Thursday, May 17th) when the College “HUB” will be open from 5.30pm until 8pm.
College Marketing Manager Mara Hargreaves said: “The evening is aimed at adults of all ages, whether they have already secured a place in college or not and whether their interest is academic or purely recreational.
“We will be there to answer any questions on courses ranging from Foundation Degrees and HNCs, through work skills to evening classes.”