Fancy trying something different this autumn? Or perhaps there’s a skill you’ve always wanted to learn but never quite got around to?
With a wide range of courses starting this September, Gower College Swansea is encouraging adults to take a look at what’s on offer - whether that’s learning something new for fun, developing skills for work, or thinking about a change of direction.
As part of Adult Learners’ Week, which runs from September 21 to 27, the college is offering a range of free taster sessions.
There are face-to-face sessions at locations across Swansea, as well as online webinars, making it easy to have a try without committing to a full course.
There’s plenty to choose from, including Project Management, Digital Skills for Business, Shopping Online Safely, Online Safety, Introduction to Sashiko, Introduction to Knitting and Patchwork.
Learning that fits around real life
Going back into education as an adult can feel like a big decision, particularly when you’re already juggling work, family and everything else life throws at you.
But there are lots of different ways to study, whether you’re looking to make yourself more employable, work towards a promotion, gain a higher qualification or simply learn something because you’re interested in it.
For Horia Hirica, an apprenticeship at Gower College Swansea helped turn an interest in marketing into a career.
He studied a Level 3 Digital Marketing & Social Media qualification alongside his role at Veeqo, putting what he learned straight into practice through real campaigns, product launches and go-to-market strategies.
The experience gave him the confidence to take ownership of projects and work with senior colleagues, helping to accelerate his career.
He has now joined the Amazon Apprenticeship Committee and is taking on new leadership opportunities.
Horia said: “Do not separate ‘work’ and ‘study’ in your head; the whole point is that they are the same thing.”
More than just a qualification
His experience is a good example of how adult learning can be about much more than getting a qualification.
It can give you practical skills, confidence and the chance to try things out in a real working environment.
For mature student Tom, studying Access to Business at Gower College Swansea has provided a different kind of opportunity – allowing him to continue his education while balancing work and family life.
The part-time course has helped him move closer to his ambitions, with university now firmly in his plans.
Tom added: “Alongside applying to university, I have started designing my own website and building my own business because the Access to Business course has given me the resources to do it.”
Something for every stage of life
There’s no single way to be an adult learner, and Gower College Swansea recognises that people have very different lives and commitments.
Courses run throughout the year, at different times of day and evening, with options available at campuses across Swansea or in the workplace.
There’s also plenty of support available if you’re not quite sure which course is right for you.
And, as a Gower College Swansea learner, you’ll also be able to access student discounts.
See what's available
So, whether you’re curious about learning something completely new, want to develop your skills at work, or are thinking seriously about your next career move, it could be worth taking a look at what’s available.
You might even find the thing you’ve been looking for.