York Learning’s programme of adult education courses courses is on sale now and, with over 230 courses on offer, everyone should find something to enjoy, challenge themselves or take them into a new career!
The Learning 4 Everyone programme from City of York Council has courses and workshops for leisure and pleasure, from fine arts, bike safety, computing and dance through to languages, health and wellbeing. The programme includes a wonderful array of the traditional crafts such as Bookbinding, alernative therapies such as Hopi Ear Candles and modern takes on hobbies using up-to-date technologies such as Art on your ipad.
The programme also contains courses leading to new skills or qualifications and which often inspire people to start new careers, such as Indian Head Massage. Courses such as Return to Learning (English, Maths, ICT) and Business, Book-keeping and Administration Skills can support those looking for employment or people running their own businesses or who want to develop entrepreneurial skills. Last year, York Learning helped 536 people into employment, 945 into training and learning and delivered employabillity skills training to over 2,000 people.
New in this year’s programme are helpful courses for families, such as Healthy Eating on a Budget – useful in these times when purse strings are being tightened – and How Children Learn to Read and Write – perfect for being able to help with homework and encouraging the kids to do well.
The council’s Learning 4 Everyone programme is available online at http://www.yortime.org.uk/ or may be picked up from all York Libraries.
Booking is now available on the council’s revamped, easy to use booking system at http://www.yortime.org.uk/ or by phone (01904) 552806 Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm. Bookings may also be made in person at the council’s West Offices, Station Rise on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am to 4pm, where the York Learning team is now based.
Open Days are also being held at York Explore Library and Learning Centre on Saturday 20 July from 10am to 3pm and on Wednesday 4 September from 3pm to 7pm. Besides finding out more about courses, prospective students can meet some of the tutors, watch demonstrations, join in some of the activities taking place and bookl.
Prices for one-off sessions start at £10 – that’s the cost of a bike safety tutorial. Most courses have concessionary prices for those on state pensions and means-tested benefits, whilst some courses are free for those claiming Job Seekers Allowance or Employment Support Allowance. The more expensive courses (over £100) may be paid in installments.