Shrewsbury College is inviting adults to drop in and find out about their options to get back into education as part of National Adult Learners Week from June 14-20.

The College will be open to anyone aged 18 and above to call in and have a chat with course advice and staff from specialist teams about course and subject options at the College, financial help, travel and transport, Distance Learning courses and tour the College and its new facilities.

Nicola Mannering, Higher Education and Career Advisor, will be in the College on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday to speak to prospective students.

She said: “Staff are always on hand to talk to students of any age, but we are especially encouraging adults to come in as part of Ault Learners Week. Anyone is welcome to call in and talk about course advice and careers guidance options or have a tour around the College facilities. Whether you want to find a hobby, develop your skills or pursue a new career, Shrewsbury College teaches qualifications across a wide range of subjects at a variety of levels.

“There’s never been a better time to have marketable skills. In the increasingly competitive job market and with the rising expectations of employers, lots of people are starting to think seriously about adding to or improving their skills.”

Gillian Jepson, 52, from Telford, is studying a Fashion HND. She said: “I wanted to go to university when I was younger but at the time was unable to. My daughter has recently graduated from Cardiff University where she studied Fashion, so I decided now is the time for me.

“I have worked for the civil service for 31 years so this is a big change for me. But I have always had a passion for sewing, knitting and the crafts. Being able to study the HE course at Shrewsbury College has given me an enormous amount of self-satisfaction, by being able to do what I enjoy doing.

“I love the course. I was terrified before I started, as it had been so long since I was in an educational environment. But I’ve thrown myself into it and am enjoying every minute and everyone here has been fantastic. It has been challenging at times, but for me, the only failure would be not trying. I would encourage anyone considering the course at Shrewsbury College to go for it!”

People over the age of 24 can now apply for new government-backed funding to pay for tuition fees, making it easier than ever to retrain or return to learning.
“Adult learners studying A levels, an Access to Higher Education Diploma, a level 3 or 4 Certificate or Diploma, or an Advanced or Higher Apprenticeship can apply for a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan to pay for their course fees. Students only need to start repaying their loan when they’ve finished their course and are earning more than £21,000 a year,” added Nicola.

Whatever your personal goals are, Shrewsbury College’s industry experienced staff will help you succeed. To find out more about the wide range of qualifications available at the College, please call Course Advice on 01743 342342 or visit www.shrewsbury.ac.uk