September marks the return to school, college or university for many – but you don’t have to be in full-time education to join the class. We are celebrating all things adult learning in Royal Greenwich, showcasing our skills providers and amplifying the achievements of learners to inspire others.
Find out from this year’s Adult and Community Award winners how adult learning has sparked creativity – from the writing lessons that produced a budding author to the art class learner who exhibited their artwork at the House of Lords – and led to incredible career progression – such as the student on a construction starter course who advanced to become the tutor.
Greenwich Learns offers a range of courses in partnership with our skills providers. Part-time, evening classes, online, in-person or hybrid sessions covering a range of subjects such business, life skills, personal development, creative courses, employability and many more.
Delivered on behalf of the council by training partners such as London South East Colleges and Greenwich Cooperative Development Agency, we have provided over 500 courses to over 3000 local and London learners, with students achieving a 100 per cent pass rate last year.
Councillor Jackie Smith, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Business, Skills and Greenwich Supports said: “Learning doesn’t stop when we leave school: it is a life-long journey. We know that learning improves well-being and increases the chance of securing a good job. Having top class adult and community learning not only boosts self-confidence – it enables career progression and can even impart the know-how needed to start your own business. Adult learning plays a crucial part in building a more inclusive economy. I have seen first-hand the life changing impact our programmes have on learners that have attended courses with our providers.”
We are also expanding the offer later this autumn to enhance construction skills training and introduce family and early years learning. Many courses are free; the rest are both affordable and provide exceptional value for money.
It is never too late to learn something new – be that for work, personal growth, or just the pleasure of learning itself.
