Improve your skills by returning to learning this September

Residents aged 19 and above can gain new skills and shape their future by choosing from the hundreds of part-time day, evening and weekend adult education classes on offer.  

The council offers courses to help people prepare for work, get promoted or gain a qualification, as well as a variety of fun, creative and social sessions. 

Low-cost sessions are delivered at Hillingdon's three adult education centres, in the community and virtually, with many fully funded by the government.  

Highlights of this year's programme include classes to help you work and progress in the care sector, which cover areas such as social care, healthcare and mental health.  

If you'd like to support children with their early development, Learn Hillingdon has courses to help you qualify as a teaching assistant, early years manager or Special Educational Needs co-ordinator.  

For those who'd prefer to work in an office environment, there are classes in computing and cyber security, and business owners can take their organisation to the next level with a digital marketing qualification, which covers the steps needed to develop a comprehensive digital strategy. 

Alternatively, spark your creativity and master the art of floristry with award-winning tutors, who offer introductory to advanced-level qualification courses.  

The council also offers 68 courses for adults with learning difficulties and disabilities with experienced staff on hand to provide a nurturing and supportive environment. All courses are designed to help learners develop their English, maths and digital skills; examples include budgeting, shopping and preparing healthy meals. 

Husna Abbasi, aged 37 and from Hayes, is a mother of five children aged 16 to one year and three months, she has been studying with Learn Hillingdon for a year. Husna studies maths, understanding working in the health sector and awareness of dementia. She aims to secure work caring for older people, Husna said: "I'm able to make time for study because I really enjoy it. When I first started studying I was nervous, I thought it's going to be the way it was when I was 16, I was like, how am I going to do this now I've got responsibilities?  

"Some days it isn't easy, but my husband is really supportive, and my daughter says, 'Mum, the baby's asleep, let's do our homework together!' I've also got a clearer vision now I'm studying and working towards a job where I can help people." 

Like many adults, Husna was worried about returning to education. She said: "I enjoy the subject; and adult learning, it's a mature environment, there's no bad behaviour in class, everyone's sensible, no-one's saying anything offensive and there's no playground bullying, none of that, it makes it so much easier. 

"The teachers are so supportive, and we're given enough time to get our work done, it's all manageable. I regret not doing this sooner."  

Husna has also discovered the benefits of taking time to focus on her goals with likeminded people. She said: "Being part of a class and part of something after having kids, this journey of learning, it's amazing. I'm meeting new adults and I really enjoy the company of my friends at the centre. It's lovely, it's a different type of relationship that we have.  

"Being a mum at home with five kids, I don't get much time to socialise, this is my me time, it's so amazing, I Iove it!" 

Cllr Susan O'Brien, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, said: "We're committed to ensuring that residents of all ages have access to high-quality learning opportunities and live healthy, active and independent lives.  

"Our adult education centres help thousands of residents each year to get into work, live more independently, make a career change, learn a new skill and meet new people.  

"Our flexible and varied programme ensures local people can fit studying in around other commitments, such as work and raising a family, and our welcoming and talented tutors are on hand to help residents start a self-development journey and create the life they want.  

"All of the classes have been designed to offer great value for money - so start your learning journey with us today!" 

For more information about the courses on offer and to enrol, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/adultlearning