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Learning Do you want to improve your basic skills such as Maths or English, gain a qualification, learn a new skill, take a degree or simply brush up on what you know already? Whatever the case, there are a multitude of courses from which to choose. If you have a clear idea of what you want to do, the information on this page may help you to pin point the ideal course that will enable you to achieve your goals. If however you are struggling to come to any decision, feel anxious about returning to learning, or just want some guidance, we at ACE shall be more than happy to help. We can also advise you about funding options. If you call us now, we can make a one-to-one appointment.
Caring can often leave you
feeling isolated and lacking in self esteem. If you feel you
just need to get out of the house, do something for yourself for
an hour or so, and meet other people, then an adult education
course could be the answer. Covering everything from ceramics to
computer skills, jeweller
The Government is keen to
encourage those who are out of work to return to employment and
there are a number of funded, work
Next Steps can also help you with work focused training, CV writing and interview skills. In addition, in some areas, there are job clubs that offer a mix of workshops, networking and small group discussion facilitated by experienced job coaches. Speak to someone in the ACE team for the latest information. Vocational courses can help you gain the skills for a particular industry or sector and involve a degree of 'hands-on' training. National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) are usually work based awards that are achieved through assessment in your work place. Other vocational courses can be taken while studying at college, if you have a part-time job or access to a work placement. Subjects include horticulture, animal care, art and design, construction and building, and hair and beauty, and health and sometimes social care (the latter can sometimes be based around your caring role and you can be assessed at home, provided the person you care for is in agreement) A level 2 qualification is equivalent to 5 GCSEs. A Level 3 is equivalent to two A levels. New vocational diploma courses are due to be introduced at the end of 2010 so speak to your local college or call ACE for up to date information. Higher Education and University For many Carers attending university is out of the question but if you are a former Carer or plan to arrange alternative care in order that you can take up full time higher education, there is a wealth of information available on the UCAS website. Once you have decided what you wish to study, you may discover that the cost of your chosen course is more than you can easily afford. If you are hoping to improve your basic skills, for example English or Maths, it may be possible to obtain full fee remission through the relevant college or training provider. Sometimes it is possible, as a result of registering your wish to train during a Carers Needs Assessment, to obtain funding in the form of a Carers Direct Payment. If however, you are not eligible to claim funding through either your college or in the form of a Direct Payment, there are other options. These include grants, bursaries and loans. For further information click here. or call us at ACE. We shall be happy to look at your specific circumstances and help you seek appropriate funding.
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For some years, ACE has run workshops specifically for Carers, in various locations throughout the county. These workshops are free of charge, and are tailored to meet the needs of Carers who would like to increase their confidence, or want to improve their IT or administrative skills. In addition, creative workshops are sometimes available. For details click here
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Action for Carers (Surrey) Reg Office: Astolat Coniers Way Burpham Guildford GU47HL Company Limited by Guarantee Co. No. 5939327 Registered in England & Wales with Charitable Status Reg no 1116714 |
Perhaps you left school without
getting basic qualifications such as maths or English, or maybe
English is not your first language. Or perhaps you have never
had the chance to learn how to use a computer and would like to
do so. If this is the case, there are lots of courses available
in Surrey, and many are free of charge. If you have a computer
you can also learn online. For details of basic skills courses go to
y making to aromatherapy, and much more
including a wide range of foreign languages, there are lots of
options. Courses usually run once a week, often in the evenings,
but there are also day time or weekend courses available in a
number of subjects. Some courses, although not many, are free,
but most are available at a reduced cost if you are on Carers
Allowance. For further details of learning opportunities 
focused schemes. Jobcentre
Plus have introduced a new scheme specifically to help Carers
find work, called ' 
If your caring role makes
it very difficult for you to attend courses at your
local college or adult education centre, a distance learning
course might be the best solution, particularly if you have
access to a computer and the internet at home. Distance learning
is done primarily at home, with tutor support either on-line or
in the form of a few short sessions at a college or similar
location near you. This way of learning is flexible but you do
need to be committed and self - disciplined. Try
