While the country sits in lockdown, we’re becoming re-acquainted with the childhood problem of what to do with our spare time. Now, Bournemouth & Poole College has stepped in to help with free courses that could give your career a boost or help you discover a new passion.
If you’ve spent the last few weeks in lockdown trying to figure out whether you want to make a change in your career, improve the way you perform in your current job, or even just gain some insight into other fields, Bournemouth & Poole college have an opportunity for you.
The largest provider of further education and apprenticeships in the area, the college is now offering a range of over 20 nationally recognised online courses for residents aged 19 and over, completely free, and there’s something for everyone. A few of the courses available include:
- Wine Services
- Digital Skills for Work
- Children and Young People’s Mental Health
- Retail Operation
- Principles of Team Leading
- Understanding Autism
- Certificate in the Principles of End of Life Care
The college has a 99.6% pass rate for these courses, and you can start studying them at any time. There are staff available throughout the process to help you with any questions and provide support if and when you need it.
Director of Learning – Business, Digital and Leadership at the college, Sharon Mackett, said: “As we are currently being asked to stay at home, we have an opportunity to invest our time into something positive for ourselves, to increase our knowledge and enhance our skillset for professional or personal reasons, as well as helping to stimulate our minds as we spend more time at home than we are used to.
“We have a broad range of courses on offer that cover a mixture of interests. 100% online, all the resources are provided in a user-friendly way. Many of our current learners love this way of studying and have actually completed more than one. It is a perfect way to learn, especially in the current climate.”
One such learner is Emma Scott, who studied ‘Understanding Autism’ and ‘Challenging Behaviour’. Emma’s son has autism, developmental delay and sensory processing disorder. She said: “I have learnt how to support someone with autism, support positive behaviour, different methods of communication, person-centred support, legislation and guidance, sensory processing and the senses, positive reinforcement, managing behaviour, support services, triggers and patterns of behaviour and much more.
“My assessor has been very supportive and is always on hand for any support I need.”
If you’re interested in finding out more about the courses, or to register for one, visit the Bournemouth & Poole College website.