Thousands of people in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire could now be eligible for free courses to help them retrain

Thousands of people in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire could now eligible for free training to rewrite their career by setting up a Personal Learning Account.

As part of the Welsh Government programme, Coleg Ceredigion and Coleg Sir Gar are running several courses in sectors that are ripe for job opportunities, including construction, finance, IT, health and safety, project management and engineering.

The programme is aimed at those who are currently on furlough, on a zero hours contract, or whose job is at risk, providing they are 19 or over and earning under £26,000.

Following a successful pilot with Coleg Gwent and Grwp Llandrillo Menai which saw around 500 people across Wales enrol on fully-funded part-time courses, Personal Learning Accounts are now being rolled out nationally to help thousands of people in Wales boost their skills and employability. 

All courses have been specifically designed to match skills gaps already identified in priority sectors in Wales. Employers and stakeholders have worked in partnership with colleges to develop courses that are relevant to sectors which are expected to create job opportunities now or in the near future.

All courses are part-time and are truly flexible, designed for study around other commitments such as a current job. Many are being delivered online meaning learners can study remotely and in the evenings and weekends.

Some of the courses running at Coleg Ceredigion and Coleg Sir Gar throughout January and February are aimed at people running their own business and include Brand Strategy, Social Media for Business, Coaching and Mentoring, NEBOSH Managing Safely and IOSH Working Safely.

Minister for Education Kirsty Williams said:

“The impact of the pandemic has unfortunately affected many industries, with many people looking at ways to gain new work skills, perhaps at their local college.

“Personal Learning Accounts are designed to help people in employment and whose jobs may be at risk. If you’re worried about the certainty of your employment, or you’re on furlough or a zero hours contract, accessing a free Personal Learning Account could provide you with the skills and qualifications to embark on a new and rewarding career.

“As we work towards a Welsh right to lifelong learning, the PLAs show what can be achieved for individuals, the economy and the country as a whole.”

One learner who has already taken part in the Brand Strategy course is self-employed personal trainer, James Cartwright. The gym James works at was closed over lockdown meaning James was unable to continue his work. James completed the Brand Strategy course to help boost his business and has since signed up for a six-week course in Social Media for Small Business.

He said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the course and can’t wait for the next one. From the first session it’s really provoked a lot of thought into what I’m doing and given me so much clarity already on where I need to take things.”

Jemma Parsons, PLA Project Co-ordinator, Business Development and Employer Engagement Team at Coleg Ceredigion and Coleg Sir Gar, said: “We are delighted to be working with Welsh Government and the Regional Skills Partnership to deliver the Personal Learning Account. We look forward to supporting individuals in their training and development to progress in current and new careers and fulfil their aspirations. This funded training has come at what is a very difficult time for all.

“We hope to support individuals through face to face learning where possible, adhering to Government restrictions to ensure that all of our learners and staff keep safe, but have developed the New Year Provision to include online and Virtual Classroom learning.

“We look forward to offering individuals and employers the opportunity to upskill in areas such as Digital and Technology, Media, Health and Social Care, Construction and Creative Industries. We have some very exciting collaborations planned which will further the opportunities for individuals and employers in the region.”

For more information about courses at Coleg Sir Gar visit: 

www.colegsirgar.ac.uk/index.php/en/personal-learning-accounts

www.colegsirgar.ac.uk/index.php/cy/cyflogwyr-mobile/cyfrifon-dysgu-personol

For more information about courses at Coleg Ceredigion visit:

www.ceredigion.ac.uk/index.php/en/personal-learning-accounts

www.ceredigion.ac.uk/index.php/cy/personal-learning-accounts/177-pla/493-cyfrifon-dysgu-personol

All you need to know about Personal Learning Accounts

What is it?

Setting up a Personal Learning Account gives you access to free training that will help improve your job prospects and overall career. Choose from over 1,000 courses across 10 sectors such as construction, finance, digital, health and social care and engineering, and study from home online around your other commitments.

Who is eligible?

Anyone over the age of 19 earning under £26,000 or anyone who is currently on furlough, on a zero hours contract, or has been told their job is at risk.

How do I apply?

Apply for a Personal Learning Account through Working Wales and speak to a local advisor. Call 0800 028 4844 or visit www.workingwales.gov.wales/contact-us  for more information.

How much does it cost?

It’s free! All college courses under the Personal Learning Accounts programme are funded by Welsh Government. The only costs you will need to cover are your own expenses if you need to travel.

What courses can I do?

There are hundreds of courses on offer with all colleges in Wales. Visit the colleges’ own websites for more information.

Choose from qualifications in:

·       Accounting

·       Business and management

·       Construction

·       IT and digital

·       Engineering

·       Photography

·       Customer service

·       Advanced materials and manufacturing

·       Retail, tourism and leisure

·       Hospitality and catering

·       Health and social care

·       Food and land based

·       Energy and environment

Do I have to go to my local college or can I study anywhere in Wales?

Many colleges are delivering teaching online only which may mean you can explore beyond your local college.  However, be aware that face-to-face learning may be required during the duration of your course so you will need to consider travel times and costs.

For more information, visit www.workingwales.gov.wales/personal-learning-account or contact Careers Wales on 0800 028 4844.