New adult learning courses now available in communities across Leeds

An exciting multimillion pound programme offering adults the chance to learn a new skill or improve their knowledge of different subjects and topics has officially launched this month.

Leeds Adult Learning, a service commissioned by Leeds City Council will run the £2.2m programme which has been funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and Education and Skills Funding Agency.  The programme will provide adults, aged 19 or over, with the confidence and skills to access job opportunities or new skills to support a personal or family interest, with a variety of courses running throughout the academic year.

The courses will offer a range of topics for people to access including learning how to use your smart phone or tablet, growing your own vegetables and eating more healthily, improving English, maths and digital skills or building self-confidence amongst others whilst also offering the opportunity to learn something new and meet new people.

The Leeds Adult Learning course finder website www.leedsadultlearning.co.uk offers people an easy way to discover the right course and also includes an integrated journey planner with bus routes and maps to help find the best and easiest way to travel to courses.

Last year several thousand adults took part in more than 700 adult learning courses opening up new opportunities for adults to learn and develop their confidence.

Cllr Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy, Culture and Education said:

“Adult learning courses are a great way for people of all backgrounds and experiences to acquire new skills, meet new people and enjoy learning. Many learners also progress into work or undertake further study to gain qualifications.

“Covid19 has been a huge challenge in so many ways and many people have lost their job, their confidence or may be just wondering how they can make a fresh start.

“We want to make sure all our residents have the skills needed for both life and work, and providing adults with the chance to improve and learn new skills remains a top priority for the council.

Courses are free for adults in receipt of benefits or those in work but earning less than £17,374.50 per year and will be delivered by a range of different organisations. These include recognised learning providers such as Leeds City College, Swarthmore Education Centre, and smaller community based organisations such as Nari Ekta, Learning Partnerships, The Conservation Volunteers and many others.