College open days to help adult boost their skills


Two open days hosted by Southend Adult Community College are designed to help people in their twenties or over to boost their professional, vocational and apprenticeship training.

The sessions will be held on Tuesday, July 1, from 6pm to 9pm, and Wednesday, July 9, from 11am to 2pm, at the Business Enterprise Skills Training (BEST) Centre, Ambleside Drive, Southend.

The college’s trained tutors, education and careers advisers will be on hand to discuss professional vocational courses, apprenticeships, traineeships and any additional learning support required, ahead of the round of new courses starting in September.

Visitors will get the chance to learn about new loan systems designed to help develop qualification levels across a range of sectors.

Curriculum manager Anne Horn said: “The new 24-plus Advanced Learning Loans provide a great opportunity to learn new skills or advance one’s career.

“They can help people to advance their careers across a wide range of sectors, including accountancy, childcare, complementary therapies, cake decorating, and health and social care.”

The grants, which are similar to university loans, provide the opportunity to study without the burden of upfront payments.

Anne said: “Level 3 and 4 course fees will not be paid back until you’re earning over £21,000.

“The loan is written off if you go on to complete a degree. It means you can now study and qualify first, and pay later.”

“The college has courses starting throughout the year. Students can study part-time and during school hours to fit around other commitments.

“There is also access to a nursery at the Southchurch Centre, to help parents balance study and childcare.

Anne added: “This is a fantastic opportunity if you’re thinking about learning a new skill or changing your career direction.”

SACC provides education and training to more than 6,500 part time students and has four activity centres throughout the borough of Southend.

Its Ofsted rating places it among the top 4 per cent of performing colleges in the country. For more information visit
www.southendadult. ac.uk or call 01702 445700