New year, new you, new future

Sunderland College has launched a variety of courses to help adults across Wearside gain new skills, knowledge and experience to boost their future employment prospects.

The current COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the UK economy, with many businesses closing or furloughing workers as they struggle to adapt to the new normal.

The courses, enrolling for January 2021, are available at varying levels and offer learners the chance to discover new opportunities, further their careers or progress to university. In addition, there are free courses for people wanting to improve English, maths and ICT skills, with others focused on employability and getting back into work.

From full-time and flexible part-time courses to short courses and online learning, studies can fit around learners’ lifestyles and family or work commitments.

Interim Deputy Principal Curriculum and Quality, Judith Quinn, said: “Our range of courses starting in January is extensive and are designed to meet the demands of our learners’ work and lifestyle commitments, an ever-changing employment landscape, as well as improving their family’s health and wellbeing in times of uncertainty.

“Many of our courses are free and are available online or flexibly, and whichever programme learners choose, there will be a range of resources, tutorials and one-to-one support available to help them along the way.”

Those who are worried about how COVID-19 will impact their learning, smaller group sizes give students a more personal and supported approach to studying and are well suited for face-to-face learning while social distancing measures are still in place, or you can learn at your own pace through a huge selection of distance learning courses.

Sunderland College’s Access to Higher Education courses are well established with a great reputation for those who want to progress for university but don’t have the required grades, or who have been out of formal education for a while.

For adults looking to gain a university-level qualification, the college delivers higher national courses part-time, using a blended approach to combine the benefits of classroom-based and online learning.

The college’s BTEC Higher Nationals in Business are perfect for those seeking a formal qualification in the world of business or looking to boost their career prospects because of their emphasis on developing practical skills alongside specialist industry knowledge.

Free distance learning courses are also available to people looking to make the most of their free time, or expand their horizons without needing to come onto campus. All study resources are sent via email along with deadline dates for completed workbooks and assignments.

Essential digital skills for everyday life are a highlight of the new offer too, enabling learners to get to grips with an increasingly digitally focused world. Courses to support families and children’s mental health and wellbeing – especially during such challenging times – are also available, as are hobby focused topics for those seeking a new interest, wanting to develop an existing one, or have fun meeting new friends.