Adults across Hull are boosting their job prospects thanks to help from Hull Training and Adult Education (HTAE).
Learners are being urged to act fast, as places are now available for courses starting during September
The success of learners who’ve attained vital knowledge of functional skills is being celebrated, with adults of all ages able to access help to improve their English, maths and digital skills.
Functional skills are those that can be demonstrated to employers to show an understanding of English speaking and listening, numeracy and IT.
Julie Austin, received help from HTAE in attaining Level 1 Essential Digital Skills and said
When I was at school, computers were only just being introduced, so when we had a choice between typing or food tech, I chose food tech. I thought we’d never really need computers, but I had no idea how much I would actually need them later in life, I can’t believe how far I’ve come since joining this course. I’m dyslexic, so learning can be a challenge and I often record my voice if I’m stuck, and I ask for things to be repeated to help it sink in. Sue, our tutor, has been fantastic, as she slows things down when I need it and adapts her teaching to help me learn, I’ve gained so much confidence, from filling in documents to taking screenshots and sending attachments.
Richard Mummery, is studying Functional Skills in Maths, English, and Digital Skills with HTAE and had this to say
I’d been a joiner for almost 40 years when I suffered a serious trauma injury, It made me rethink what I wanted from my future, and I realised I needed to move into a less physical role – something like building inspection or structural engineering. When I first came into class, it was a real challenge – I didn’t even know what a noun or a verb was, but I’ve now found a new love for learning. When the penny drops in maths, there’s no feeling like it. I think every teacher has been fantastic and I really value their support
HTAE’s functional skills offerings also work hand in hand with Hull City Council’s apprenticeships, as Dean Brown has discovered.
He passed his Level 2 Maths exam as part of his apprenticeship journey with Hull City Council’s Streetscene service.
I’ve had a great supportive bunch encouraging me, I take Monday afternoons for maths tuition and then Friday afternoons for coursework, I’ve really enjoyed it and it’s opened my eyes, as I never knew anything about these courses before. I’m so pleased I’ve had this opportunity.”
Councillor Linda Tock is Hull City Council’s portfolio holder with responsibility for training and said
Hull Training and Adult Education provides wonderful opportunities for people in the city to boost important skills – which can have great knock-on effects for the prosperity of the region. Many of the courses are available free of charge, subject to funding eligibility, so it’s a great chance for learners to gain qualifications, and also engage in interesting and fun activities.”