Programme manager

The adult learning and skills service is committed to ensuring that all local people have access to the best IT opportunities. Whether for home use or work, our computer courses will give you the skills you need for the digital age. For complete beginners our entry and Level 1 courses provide the basic skills to get you started.

We have modern, well-equipped computer suites at all our main centres with Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Office 2010 and Adobe Creative Suite 5.5 software. We will also have Windows 7 very soon. For more information about software, please contact the Programme Manager. We are able to offer adaptations and support for students with disabilities, but it is helpful if we have advance notice of your needs. All the courses require a good command of spoken English and reading skills. If you think you might need help with your English please contact our information line on 0845 839 7912.

If you are a complete beginner, want to update your skills, or are thinking about returning to work, we have suitable courses covering essential business skills. For those thinking about starting their own small business, we have classes starting in September, January and April.

Training material or books are supplied with many of the courses. However, advice will be given if any additional textbooks are required.

It may be possible to pay course fees by regular installments throughout your course, instead of paying the full amount at the start. Please ask about installment plans when you enrol.

Concessions
If you are entitled to a concessionary fee and join any accredited course, you will receive a £20 discount for every additional accredited course you join.

To help pay for course fees and materials, it may be possible to apply for the Learner Support Fund.

Courses are offered at different levels:
Beginners (entry level) – entry to IT, Introduction to computers and older learners. For absolute beginners or people who are nervous about computers, people who need to improve their language or literacy skills, or who have a learning difficulty. The courses will build confidence in basic computer skills and prepare people to progress to:
Intermediate (Level 1) – Basic office courses, including ECDL Essentials - these courses will help you to learn the basic skills and prepare you to progress on to:
Advanced (Level 2) - ECDL Extra and other courses on individual programmes, such as graphic and web design.

Further education/qualification classes
Courses with a blue band are accredited and are aimed at those who would like to work towards a nationally recognised qualification. The exam fee is included in the course fee for all qualification courses.

Courses leading to a qualification will require an interview before you can enrol.

European Computer Driving Licence, ECDL/ITQ - an internationally recognised qualification, demonstrating competence in the use of a personal computer and common office applications. Many public and private sector employers require their staff to have the ECDL. It is made up of a variety of modules, and is very flexible in its approach, allowing candidates to choose only the units they need to achieve a particular level. This is known as the Flexiqual, and it allows the qualification to be tailored to your exact needs.

Exams can be taken in any of the following subjects: IT fundamentals, Security, Internet and Email, Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Databases, Presentations and Improving Productivity. Each exam is worth a different number of credits. To achieve the level 1 qualification requires 9 credits, and level 2 requires 13 credits.