As part of the 2017 Festival of Learning running throughout June, local training centre Pitman Training is inviting local residents to try their hand at a range of new skills with their ‘Have a Go’ taster sessions as participants are being encouraged to discover what they ‘love to learn’, and are invited to explore topics ranging from blogging, to event management, to IT to accounting.
With Festival of Learning statistics showing that 71% of Community Learning learners reported that their quality of life had improved as a result of their learning, the events taking place nationwide led by Learning and Work Institute, invites organisations and communities to take part in adult learning activities to showcase the wide range of opportunities and resources available to adults hoping to continue or resume their education.
With the general election resulting in many questions surrounding the education and employment system and changes which may follow, local MPs across the country are backing ‘The Festival of Learning’, to raise the profile of the significance of adult learning within our communities.
The Festival celebrates adult learning and the transformational power of lifelong learning alongside increasing awareness of learning opportunities available. Anyone who feels they are at a crossroads or would like to make a change, alongside those who need direction at the start of their career journey can receive free taster courses, guidance and a tailored career plan, as part of the ‘have a go’ workshops which are part of the #LovetoLearn campaign.
Claire Lister from Pitman Training Wetherby, said: “We are in an incredible position to be able to offer some guidance and support during turbulent times. The Festival of Learning is the perfect opportunity for people to explore options available, and to really look at ways they can develop skills outside of the traditional route of University, to create career opportunities.
Claire added: “Our sessions are very informal and our friendly team has years of experience to share, so people can just come and have a chat.”
With statistics revealing that participating in part-time learning as an adult raises life satisfaction by the equivalent of £1600 of income per year on average, Wetherby MD Claire hopes people will take advantage of this abundance of free support at the community’s fingertips, in celebration of the Festival of Learning to help them move forward in their careers.
Stephen Evans, CEO of Learning and Work Institute, commented: “The Festival of Learning helps people to learn and to discover the wide range of opportunities there are to gain new skills, expand their abilities and transform their lives. I hope that people take advantage of this exciting event at Pitman Training and recognise that you’re never too old to learn.”
For more information and to book your free session, please visit: https://sandbox.pitman-training.com/our-centres
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Notes to Editor
The Festival of Learning, led by Learning and Work Institute, brings together a range of events and activities taking place in June 2017. The Festival is a celebration of adult learning and showcases learning opportunities available for everyone across England. The Festival of Learning is a great opportunity for learning providers and other stakeholders to showcase the lifelong learning they offer through events and interactive sessions. The theme for the Festival of Learning is #lovetolearn. The aim of this theme is to encourage adult learners to share and discuss what, how and why they #lovetolearn at any and all opportunities. While the Festival will involve a wide variety of courses, experiences and learning activities, #lovetolearn is the unifying element of all Festival of Learning events.
• 75% of Community Learning learners who were looking for work said their course gave them new skills that they might use in a job9.
• 42% of Community Learning learners already in work said they felt more confident to progress in their career as a result of their learning, while 33% felt they were better able to do their job10.
• Over 50% of parents on Family Learning programmes progressed to further education or training, or onto a better job11.
• 71% of Community Learning learners reported that their quality of life had improved as a result of their learning12
*Available on request Festival of Learning Statistics
