Lewisham Council launches new FREE support service to fast track people into jobs or education
• New Adult Learning Service to provide one to one support in order to develop talents, or kickstart a new career
• Over 3,200 local people were supported on courses over 2021-22
• Open Day at the Council’s Adult Learning Service invites local residents to explore over a 1000 courses on offer
Local Lewisham residents are invited to explore what the Council’s Adult Learning Service has to offer at an open day on Thursday 21 July at the Granville Park Adult Education centre.
Lewisham Council has announced the launch of its free adult careers, information advice and guidance service (IAG), which aims to provide one to one support to help people take their next steps towards education, employment or a new career. Local residents may be entitled to free or reduced fees courses if they are on a low income or means tested benefits – advice will be available on the day to ensure residents choose the right course for them.
Lewisham Council’s Adult Learning Service offer a range of courses for adults, and families through the family learning programme, to help residents develop new skills and interests, and gain the qualifications needed to progress their careers, or for further study. During the 2021-22 academic year the service took 8408 enrolments, supporting 3220 residents onto courses.
The Open Day provides a perfect opportunity to have a look around the facilities, including the professionally equipped printing and etching studio, kitchen and glasswork and jewellery making workshop, and to talk to tutors and learners. There will be free activities and demonstrations including Indian head massage, reflexology, Pilates, yoga, floristry, upholstery, soft furnishing, watercolour and more. Learners will also be selling hand crafted items made on courses.
Cllr James-J Walsh, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure said, “Our adult learning service is transformative for those who use it, whether gaining new skills or connecting with a new like-minded community, it supports thousands of learners each year, helping them gain skills, qualifications and make new friends through flexible learning opportunities, including weekend and online courses - enabling people to fit courses around their work or family commitments.
“Our open day is a fantastic opportunity to see the outstanding work produced by many learners, and to talk with our talented tutors who are so passionate about the courses they teach. I’m looking forward to seeing first-hand the impact that the service has had on people’s lives after a challenging few years and hearing more of the amazing stories from our learners whose potential has been unlocked by Adult Learning Lewisham”.
Local learner Jacqui from Lewisham attends a variety of fashion and textiles courses which have helped her to build confidence and learn new skills. She said, ‘I had been off work for a number of months for health reasons so I took the opportunity to learn some new skills. I've enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people, and the courses are held in an informal and friendly atmosphere which has been lovely. The classes have helped build my confidence in lots of ways and to develop my skills and learn new ones.
‘I have had the privilege to be taught by some amazingly supportive and encouraging tutors. They have all gone out of their way to adapt things for me and given me additional support to accommodate my needs. It made me feel a valued part of the group, which has been very important to me at a time when I have been experiencing many changes in my life that have impacted on the way I view myself.
‘As well as improving my skillset, these courses have given me the chance to open up my horizons, and made me realise that there are possibilities for future - career opportunities and qualifications. Who knows maybe even teaching courses in the future!’
The adult careers, information advice and guidance advisor will be available to talk about the new IAG service, which aims to help individuals address and overcome barriers to learning or employment, so they can make informed choices and identify any support needs. Whether that be the need to gain the qualifications needed for employment or progression to further learning. The IAG service is funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund.