Residents interested in learning a new skill or boosting their job prospects can check out the latest opportunities here www.adultlearningcardiff.co.uk

Part of the Council’s Into Work Advice Service, Adult Learning Cardiff provides bespoke support and training to help local residents upskill and get into work.  Offering a range of courses in hubs and council buildings right across the city, the team supports people of all ages to gain real skills that businesses have identified as vital in potential employees.

The service has helped hundreds of people find work by guiding them into fulfilling careers such as teaching assistants as well as providing other vocational training and courses designed to improve numeracy, literacy and digital skills.

Courses, which are free to eligible learners including unemployed people and those receiving certain benefits, run throughout the year with the latest programme beginning on September 16.

As well as courses that prepare learners for roles in cleaning, care work, hospitality, retail and education, the service also delivers a wide range of Learning for Life courses for those looking to take up a new hobby or improve a skill they pursue for leisure.

Learners can book online here www.adultlearningcardiff.co.uk 

Cabinet Member for Tackling Poverty and Supporting Young People, Cllr Peter Bradbury, said: “Adult Learning Cardiff delivers flexible learning opportunities that can equip learners with the skills and knowledge they need on their way towards employment in a role they want.

“It’s a great time to get back to learning so I encourage anyone who’s been thinking about it to stop thinking and start doing – the team is ready and waiting to offer advice and encouragement for your learning journey.”

Adult Learning Cardiff has supported a number of learners to secure roles working as teaching assistants in schools recently.

Lizzie Davies took a Supported Teaching and Learning in Schools (STLS) course and also completed numeracy skills and safeguarding training, before volunteering at St Cadoc's Primary School in Llanrumney. With the help of the Into Work Advice Service, she updated her CV and worked on her interview skills. She is now employed at St Cadoc's.

She said: "I'd wanted to be a teacher when I left university but I ended up working in retail. When I started volunteering at St Cadoc's, where my children attended, it reignited that spark and the team at Adult Learning were really helpful. Any time I need their advice they are there for me and I've recommended them to lots of my friends."

Poonam Tiwari completed an STLS course, Food Safety Level II and Managing Children's Behaviour Level I through Adult Learning Cardiff and volunteered at Springwood Primary School in Llanedeyrn, receiving glowing reports on her performance there. Her hard work paid off when she was offered a paid position at the Hollies School in Pentwyn last September where she remains, and her confidence is at an all-time high. She said: "I had worked in the fashion industry as a designer but when I had my son I wanted to change my work-life balance so I asked if I could volunteer at the school. With the help of Adult Learning Cardiff, I started the courses that helped me get where I am now. They have been amazing with their encouragement, building my confidence and helping with my interview technique."