College highlights free course boost for adult learners

Coinciding with the launch of its new Adult Education Prospectus which features over 300 part-time courses and covers both leisure classes and professional qualifications, City College Brighton and Hove has begun an awareness-raising campaign regarding new opportunities for free study for adults.

For those 19-23 year olds who have not yet achieved a qualification at Levels 1 or 2, courses are now entirely free, providing adult learners with the opportunity to improve their job prospects or to change the direction of their career. Each course leads to a recognised qualification and is supported by government funding. For example, for those who left school with fewer than five GCSEs at grade C or higher, their course will be free of charge. If a student has 5 GCSEs at grade C or more but no A levels or level 3 vocational qualifications then any level 3 qualification will be free of charge for 19-24 year olds. This offer also applies to Apprenticeships.

One student who is benefiting from the offer is Level 2 AAT Accounting student Victoria Smith (24) who will be able to move onto the Level 3 course without having to worry about course fees. “This offer really encourages people in my position to come to College and improve their prospects”, said Victoria. “I’m really pleased to be continuing here in September as the teaching’s been great and gaining these qualifications is going to enable me to make a career in accountancy.”

“This is a massive boost for local people who are seeking opportunities to improve their job prospects and gain the type of skills and qualifications that employers are looking for”, said City College Principal Phil Frier. “We’re expecting a significant rise in the numbers of adults applying for courses at the College and our course information team are on hand to help potential students to identify the course that best suits their needs.”

Aside from 19-24 year olds, whatever an applicant’s age and qualifications, if they are actively seeking employment or are on a job related benefit, there are substantial concessions and courses will be free of tuition fees. All other adult learners only pay around half of the tuition fees. For adults needing to improve their English and Maths, all the College’s Adult English and Maths courses (including GCSE) are free. The College also offers Higher Education courses validated by the University of Brighton in a range of subjects and student loans are available to part-time learners for the first time this September.

Prospective students can now enrol and pay online by simply logging on to the College’s website at www.ccb.ac.uk and finding their chosen course. They will then be directed through to a secure payments system to book their place.

The College is also holding an Open Evening at its Pelham Street Central Campus on Monday 3rd September from 5pm to 7pm specifically aimed at those interested in the College’s Business Professional qualifications including Accounting, Bookkeeping, Computerised Accounts, Team Leader and HR qualifications. At the events, staff will be able to provide course information, interviews and enrolment all in one night.
 
For more information on courses at City College, contact course information on 01273 667759, email info@ccb.ac.uk
 
For City College media enquiries, please call Brian Bell, Marketing Communications Officer, on 01273 667788 Ext. 488 or email bb1@ccb.ac.uk

Photo: Victoria Smith