Middlesbrough residents are invited to enrol on a range of free adult learning courses launched as part of a new ‘Raising Aspirations’ programme.
The courses are designed to help people in a range of different ways, depending on where they are now and their own interests and ambitions.
While some aim to help people into learning or work, others are focussed on parenting, bringing communities together, and improving health and wellbeing.
The courses are funded by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority through its Adult Skills Fund and our Employability Service is running them on behalf of Middlesbrough Council.
They are being delivered face to face in community venues across the town.
Here’s all you need to know…
Boost your progression into childcare
If you’re interested in working with young children aged up to three, this hands-on course will help you understand how babies and toddlers learn, develop and grow.
You’ll learn about child safety, play-based learning and fun activities while developing skills that can lead to further learning, volunteering or employment opportunities.
Flavours of our community
Learn food hygiene, preparation and cooking methods while exploring foods from across cultures, connecting with others, and building your confidence.
You’ll also gain an understanding of food traditions, sourcing ingredients, and healthy eating.
Confident me, confident future
A course geared to helping you to recognise your strengths and unlock your potential, equipping you to communicate more effectively and handle new situations.
You’ll work on building your self-belief, challenging self-doubt, and taking positive steps towards your future in learning, volunteering and work.
Community green skills
This hands-on course will help you develop practical recycling and upcycling skills while improving your confidence, wellbeing and creativity.
You’ll also do some basic planting and learn about environmental responsibility, sustainability, and working in a team.
Launchpad to employment
This course is all about equipping you with the confidence, knowledge, skills and behaviours you need to progress towards employment.
It’ll help you break down barriers to work, volunteering or apprenticeships by supporting you with CVs, job applications, and interview preparation.
Next steps for parents and carers
This course will help you identify your strengths – including those you’ve developed through parenting – and explore flexible learning, training and employment options.
You’ll create a realistic action plan for progression into work, volunteering or learning, while addressing barriers such as childcare, confidence and money concerns.
Parenting with a purpose
Build confidence in your parenting or caring role, strengthen family relationships and develop practical skills to support your child’s learning, development and wellbeing.
You’ll meet other parents and carers and learn how you can understand your child, support their development, and help them to thrive in a positive environment.
Rebuild, restart, renew
If you’ve experienced the criminal justice system, this course will help you take steps towards training, apprenticeships, employment and volunteering.
There’ll be a focus on recognising your own strengths, overcoming barriers, and helping you with money management and digital skills.
Who is eligible?
Any Middlesbrough resident aged 19 and over can apply for a place on the courses.
When do the courses start and how long do they last?
Each course runs for five to 10 hours and the learning is flexible so you don’t have to start by a specific date.
What’s the aim of these courses?
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Giving people the skills and confidence they need to move forward is vital if we’re going to help more local people into good, secure jobs. These courses provide a practical first step, whether someone wants to get back into learning, prepare for work or simply build their confidence and develop new skills.”
Cllr Philippa Storey, Deputy Mayor and Executive member for Education at Middlesbrough Council, said: “The ‘Raising Aspirations’ programme is all about giving people opportunities to make a positive change to their lives.
“They might need help with their confidence or have developing skills and interests they can build on. There’s a good range of courses here to help people shine and progress their abilities and skills.”
Andy Hayes, our specialist housing and services director, added: “We’re looking forward to meeting the people who sign up to the courses and helping them achieve the things they want to achieve.
“Delivering support services that help people realise their ambitions is something we do very well and we’re very happy to be working with the council and combined authority on this.”
How do I find out more?
To request full details of any of the courses, complete the form on our Raising Aspirations webpage.