Learners' zone
- Learners' stories
- What's stopping you?
- Find the perfect course for you
- Career Advice and Nextsteps
- CVs made easy
- Interview Tips
- Volunteering
- Quick Reads
- Money Matters
What's stopping you?
So you've always thought that learning may be a good move, but never taken the plunge, why not?
I haven't got the time.
That old excuse!
Learning is much more flexible now, allowing you to study when and where it suits you: whether it's at the weekend, in the evening or online. Learn in bite-sized chunks and ask for support whenever you need it.
I was hopeless at school/I hated school.
You've moved on since school.
With all the experience you've gained, you'll have new insights and lots of experience to bring to your learning. Adult learning can be fun and very fulfilling. It's different from school.
I won't know anyone.
Everyone will be in the same boat as you!
One of the bonuses of attending a class is that you'll get to meet like-minded people - people who want to change their lives for the better. It's a great way to make new friends as well as learning something new.
I can't afford it.
You don't have to be out of pocket.
You might be surprised to know that many organisations offer low-cost or free courses. They'll also point you towards help with funding if you need it.
Any more excuses?
There just aren't enough excuses to stop you going for your goals. Learning can make you happier, more confident and better equipped to go for the jobs and opportunities you really want.
Taster sessions near you
There are thousands of taster sessions and events happening across the country from 15 - 21 May 2010. Visit the Events Diary (coming soon) to find what's happening in your area, or call 0800 100 900 for free local advice.
Find the perfect course for you
There are almost a million courses available in the UK, so there's bound to be one that suits your needs. These days you can learn exactly what you want, where and when you want. And you can get expert advice to help you decide.
- A good place to start is the online Directgov course search www.careers.direct.gov.uk/findacourse . Just type in what you want to learn and your postcode to find courses near you.
- You might be surprised about where you can study - not just classrooms, but libraries, community centre and even at football clubs. You can even learn at home through distance or e-learning courses.
- Many courses are aimed at complete beginners and have no entry requirements other than a willingness to learn. Others can build on existing skills, or lead to qualifications.
- Once you've found the course for you, narrow down your selection by choosing when you want to learn -day or evening, part - time or full - time, over a few hours or several years.
- Then contact the relevant college or learning provider to ask for a prospectus. Many will have open days when you can visit too.
- Don't let childcare demands or finances be a barrier - visit www.direct.gov.uk/adultlearning for information about possible support available.
For more free help and advice on learning opportunities, contact a learning advisor on 0800 100 900, or visit www.direct.gov.uk/adultlearning.
Careers Advice and Nextsteps
The Careers Advice Service offers a free and confidential telephone helpline to help you find the right course for you, near you, whether it's learning for work, a hobby or brushing up on existing skills.
Call the Careers Advice Service on 0800 100 900 for all your queries about learning and careers. Lines are open between 8am and 10pm seven days a week.
Visit www.careersadvice.direct.gov.uk for more information about courses, building a CV, interview tips, and more.
Talk to an adviser in your own language.
Lines are open Monday - Friday 0.00am - 5.00pm (Punjabi and Urdu 9.00 - 8.00pm)
Gujarati 0800 093 1119
Punjabi 0800 093 1333
Somali 0800 093 1555
Sylheti 0800 093 1444
Urdu 0800 093 1118
Farsi 0800 093 1116
Polish 0800 093 1114
French 0800 093 1115
Welsh 0800 100 900
Bi - lingual leaflets can also be downloaded from http://careersadvice.direct.gov.uk/ethnichelpline
Nextstep
If you would like to speak to someone in person, why not try Nextstep? This is a free friendly service that offers face-to-face help and support about training, learning and the world of work.
An adviser can also help you to:
- Understand the job market
- Search and apply for jobs
- Find funding to support any learning
- Develop your CV
- Improve your interview and presentation skills
- Suggest ways to progress in your current job
Visit http://nextstep.direct.gov.uk or call 0800 100 900 to find your nearest Nextstep centre.
CVs made easy
A good CV is an essential tool in your job hunting, so make sure yours stands out from the crowd.
CV stands for curriculum vitae, meaning a summary of your education, qualifications, jobs, skills and qualities.
The Basics
- Use a computer. If you don't have your own you'll find free or low-cost access at your local library or careers service.
- If you have a disability that prevents you from producing a written or typed CV you can send an audio version.
- Keep it short. Ideally no more than two sides of A4 paper.
- There is no set format but including some of the following will help.
About You
- Start with your name, address and contact details.
- You don't have to give your age unless you want to.
Personal profile
- Give a short overview of who you are and your main skills and qualities relevant to the job you're applying for. Make a positive impression!
Education and training
- Start with what you've done most recently, recording the subject, grade and date for each academic or vocational qualification.
- Include any training you have done.
References
- It's helpful to give the names and contact details of one or two referees, one of which should be your last employer if possible.
- If you haven't worked for some time, ask a responsible person to be your referee, such as the person in charge of the voluntary scheme you work on, a teacher or a family doctor.
Need more advice?
Get in touch with your local job centre or careers service. They can help you to set out your CV and give you more advice.
Visit www.careersadvice.direct.gov.uk for an interactive CV builder.
Interview Tips
You've got the interview - now get the job!
First impressions count. Here are some pointers.
-
Be on time.
Public transport isn't always reliable and traffic can be just as unpredictable. Plan your journey and aim to be early.
-
Think ahead.
Find out who will be interviewing you. Take their phone number with you in case of emergencies.
-
Stay calm.
It's natural to feel nervous but try not to panic! If you feel anxious take a few deep breaths. It'll slow down your heart rate and help you relax. Remember: interviewers can be nervous too.
-
Dress appropriately.
You don't need expensive new clothes, but make sure you are clean, tidy and dressed appropriately.
-
Be prepared.
Do a little research on the organisation's website or read their brochures: it will help you understand what they are looking for. Find out if you will have to do a test or need to take any relevant paperwork.
-
Be convincing.
You know that you're right for the job so show them why! Prepare yourself for the question: 'Why do you want this job?'
-
Ask a question.
You will be given the chance to do so - so use it. It shows that you are keen. Don't ask about pay or perks. If you're stuck try: 'What training do you offer?'
Need more advice?
Visit the Jobcentre Plus website for lots of useful information on job hunting and preparing for interviews at www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk (for England, Scotland and Wales) or www.jobcentreonline.com (for Northern Ireland).
Volunteering
Ever thought of volunteering?
Voluntary work offers you a great opportunity to help your local community, boost your confidence, develop new skills and even improve your health!
- It can be something you do in addition to your day job or it can be a great way to get experience if you are out of work.
- Find out more about volunteering opportunities in your area through your local volunteer centre or bureau. Of if you already know what you want to do, contact relevant organisations.
Need more information?
Email [email protected] or call Volunteering England on 0845 305 6979.
Find more ideas and opportunities in your area at www.do-it.org.uk
In Touch Volunteers
In Touch is a volunteer programme run jointly by the Manchester Museum and the Imperial War Museum North. It has provided learning opportunities to over 120 volunteers. Watch a video about the In Touch Volunteers
Paul Parker
When former engineer Paul was signed off work with a back injury, he volunteered at his daughters' local school, which changed his career forever. Watch a video about Paul's story (hyperlink to film)
Gill Houghton
When former fitness instructor Gill began to lose her hearing, she turned to lip-reading. She now volunteers with Action for Deafness and is studying to be a lip-reading teacher. Watch a video about Gill's story
Quick Reads
As fast and furious as an action film. As thrilling as a theme park ride. Quick Reads are short, sharp shots of entertainment - brilliantly written books by bestselling writers and celebrities. They are ideal for regular readers wanting a fun, fast read, and for those who have lost the reading habit or find reading tough.
Phoebe Hall
"I love reading now and will gladly switch off the TV and read a book instead. I started with Quick Reads, but now I'm reading four books a week and I've found out that reading helps me with writing and spelling tremendously."
Noleen Vine
"I love reading. It has made a big difference to my life - I feel better about myself. I still get stuck on some words, but I read lots of things."
On World Book Day, 4 March 2010, Quick Reads will celebrate their fifth anniversary with ten new titles, continuing to introduce hundreds of thousands of new readers to books.
This year authors include Andy McNab, Rolf Harris, Cathy Kelly and more. Available from supermarkets, bookshops and online at (you either need 'priced at' or 'for' just �1.99 or visit your local library today.
Visit www.quickreads.org.uk to find out more about the books, read reviews and listen to author interviews.
Money Matters
In these tough financial times using your money wisely can be an essential way of keeping on top of those ever-increasing finances and stress levels.
Check out our top ten money saving tips!
- Look critically at how you spend and save money - budget for priority items first.
- If you use credit cards, shop around for the best credit deal and pay monthly if you can.
- Don't buy on impulse. You can often make savings by planning ahead and finding the best value of money.
- Try to cut down on non - essential spending such as eating out.
- Shop around for cheaper motor, household, travel and life insurance.
- Shop around for the best utility rates for gas, electricity and phone.
- Shop with money vouchers or coupons. Bulk buy at supermarkets and get fresh produce from local grocers or markets.
- Look at how you can save money around the home. Free advice is available from Energy Efficiency Advice Centres on 0800 512 012
- Create a plan to save a set amount per month (or as much as you can).
- If you think your situation is spiralling out of control, start to buy everything on a cash basis.
If you are in debt don't ignore it. Free help and advice is available at your local Citizens Advice Bureau or visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk
For more budgeting tips, including an online budgeting calculator, log on to www.moneymatterstome.co.uk
