Adult Learning Week: New College Swindon’s Adult Education Centre celebrates the work it does for the Swindon community
Adult Learning Week showcases the different pathways available to those who may have been out of education for a while, want to re-train and upskill or would like to pick up a new hobby.
New College Swindon’s Adult Education Centre (AEC) offers over 35 courses, covering basic skills such as English, Maths and ICT, helps people into employment and offers a number of beauty courses. The AEC is a safe, welcoming learning environment that supports diversity. Kate Mills, Adult Education Centre Manager, is particularly passionate about her role and the support the AEC provides communities beyond Swindon. She said: “I love seeing how people integrate together and build friendship groups, especially when they haven’t had the opportunity before.”
Elle O’Dowd, who has attended a number of beauty courses at the AEC said: “It’s always great to learn a new skill. I like learning about what my grandchildren are interested in as I can help them with their courses and we have something to talk about.”
Carol, who came across the AEC’s offering on Facebook, and is studying Maths, said: “I am learning new things every day. It keeps my mind active and up to date with things as they change.”
New College Swindon has supported adult learners with getting back into education, enhancing their hobbies and obtaining a qualification that they might have missed out on in the past. The AEC, in particular, offers substantial support to non-native speakers who are keen to learn English and enter the world of employment. This has been particularly prevalent with Ukraine refugees.
The college has fantastic facilities for all learners. If you’d like to learn more about the New College Swindon Adult Education Centre, check out the website and stay up to date on social media as news of an AEC Open Evening will be coming soon!
For more information, click here.