Night of success for Islington's adult learners

Mayor of Islington Cllr Dave Poyser presented learners with certificates to recognise their commitment in passing maths, English, ICT, ESOL or vocational courses.

Families of award recipients, councillors and learning staff were in attendance to congratulate learners who had excelled on their courses.

With a range of subjects catering to different levels and learning styles many people are able to use the qualifications as a stepping stone to broaden their choices and to move into employment. While some undertake them to upskill and change careers others may choose core subjects such as English or Maths to further their studies.

Nahida has recently started work in a bakery in the North of the borough and strongly believes that the Hospitality and Catering course she completed with ACL had helped her.

"The manager asked me how I would talk to customers and I said you need to be happy with the customers. You can't go to work in a bad mood, you have to leave that at home and be professional. I was able to remember that from my course. I would definitely recommend the course. You will learn so much, not just for work, but for your life as well!"

Kevin has just started a new job as a Welcome Host at Tower Bridge, he had this to say about ACL...

"I took a few courses with practical job hunting uses and administrative skills. These really helped to instil a sense of forward momentum in my job hunt. I met a lot of classmates and these interactions helped me to overcome a period of isolation in my life. So thank you Islington ACL for helping me and a lot of other people in the borough to learn and move forward in life."

Cheryl completed the Introduction to Adult Social Care course and hasn't looked back.

"I'm doing great. I was at an agency for a couple of months and now I'm working as a Personal Assistant and really enjoying it. I'm also looking to see if I can move into the NHS. My care course has really helped me achieve all this!"

Cllr Asima Shaikh, Executive Member for Inclusive Economy and Jobs said: "The awards are a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our adult learners.

The flexibility and wide range of free courses are hugely beneficial to learners, many of whom have caring responsibilities or are returning to education later in life. They allow people to try a subject they previously couldn't access or build confidence and gain skills in an entirely new field."

With an ever evolving jobs market and increasing demand for workers with innovative skills the Adult and Community Learning courses provide learners with valuable knowledge that this generation of employers want."

We are proud to offer a diverse range of opportunities for people of all ages, it really goes to show that anyone can re-enter education and excel. If there is anybody wanting to explore council courses, come along to our open days in January and see how we can support you."

Courses delivered include:

• Various levels in English and Maths
• Employability support including CV workshops
• Vocational courses, including introductory courses in adult social care, administration, customer service and hospitality and catering
• ICT and Digital Skills

For a full list of the free courses that are on offer this term, please check our Adult and Community Learning website. We will also be offering brand new evening classes in English or Maths to help residents improve their job prospects.  These classes are aimed at residents who work during the day and would like an opportunity to study after work, but everyone is welcome.  Classes will be held in Finsbury Library and will lead to a qualification.

New Year enrolment days are Wednesday 9^th and Thursday 10^th January 2019, further details can be found on the Adult and Community Learning website.