Skills help and support for individuals
We have got something for everyone in our wide range of courses - whether you want to boost your job prospects or learn a new skill, we have a course for you.
You can meet new people and make friends with our face-to-face courses with locations across the county and starting throughout the year, there is sure to be something to suit you.
If you are over 19 years old (19 before 1 August 2023) and unemployed or receiving low wage, the following course are available fully funded for you.
Course starting dates and times
Location | Course title | Start date | End date | Times |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Market Place, Bishop Auckland | ESOL Reading (2 courses running each week) | Monday 9 September | Friday 20 December | 9.30am to 12.30pm |
Bishop Auckland Town Council, Bishop Auckland | ESOL Reading (2 courses running each week) | Monday 9 September | Friday 20 December | 9.30am to 12.30pm |
St Catherine's, Market Place, Crook | Level 1 Health & Safety in a Construction Environment | Monday 11 November | Thursday14 November | 9.00am to 3.00pm |
Mrs M, Market Place, Bishop Auckland | Level 1 Health & Safety in a Construction Environment | Monday 9 December | Thursday 12 December | 9.00am to 3.00pm |
There is no audio on this video.
Durham Employment and Skills presentation video transcript (PDF) [108KB]
Other funded courses available
Communicate: Let us support you to improve your communication
More than ever, communication is the key to success - in employment, in education and in everyday life. Yet, many of us find it challenging to get our point across in the best possible way, whether in writing, online or in person.
Communicate is a government initiative that provides fully funded literacy-based support for learners aged over 19 years old. Our short courses are fully-funded, taught at times to suit you in your local area. Our courses are facilitated by experienced tutors who understand how to help you.
We can offer support with:
- communication skills
- CV writing
- interview technique
- literacy skills
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
If English is not your first language, our courses will help you to develop your communication skills for everyday situations.
You'll learn how to read, write, and speak clearly in English, but it's more than just English: you will have the opportunity to work with people from many different countries, and share your story and culture. Most of all, you'll make new friends and boost your confidence to live well in your local community.
First Aid
This course is designed for individuals who wish to have the knowledge and skills needed to give safe, prompt, and effective first aid in emergency situations.
Covers:
- the roles and responsibilities of an emergency first aider
- assessing an incident and managing an unresponsive casualty
- CPR, defibrillation and the recovery position
- choking, seizures, shock
- wounds and bleeding
- minor injuries
Delivered over one day.
Food Safety
This course will provide learners with a strong understanding of the importance of food safety, including correct food handling practices and measures to reduce the risk of contamination.
Covers
- the importance of food safety including food safety laws and the responsibilities of food handlers
- types of contamination and the associated risks including bacteriology, food poisoning, foodborne illnesses
- an introduction to the management of food including personal hygiene, workflow, work surfaces and equipment
- importance of cleaning and disinfection, waste disposal, pest control
- safe food handling practices including time and temperature controls
Delivered over one day.
Level 1 Award Health & Safety in Construction Environment
This qualification is for learners wishing to apply for the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Green Card. The CSCS Green Card is for those working in labouring occupations only.
CSCS introduced a requirement for applicants to achieve a formal knowledge-based qualification, the 'Health and Safety in a Construction Environment' Award. Achievement demonstrates the applicant's understanding of key issues affecting safe working practices on UK construction sites.
Delivered over three and a half days plus tests (half a day).
Level 1 Certificate in Employability (sector specific)
Courses are aimed at developing skills for getting into Construction, Customer Service, Retail, Hospitality, Child Minding and more.
Delivered flexibly over 13 days.
Level 2 Award Customer Service in Hospitality, Leisure, Travel and Tourism
This qualification is for learners who work or want to work in customer service sector and covers the importance of providing excellent customer service, the role of the individual in providing excellent customer service, the importance of customers' needs and expectations.
One and half day course.
Level 2 Award in Health and Safety in the Workplace
This course is designed to ensure that everyone is aware of their own safety and the safety of customers, contractors and the public when working for an employer.
This course can be tailored to individual needs to make the learning experience relevant and fit for purpose.
Includes:
- know the principles of health and safety and accident prevention
- contribute to any health and safety management system
- recognise the importance of risk assessment
- responsibilities placed on employers and employees
- hazard, risk and main causes of harm to workers
- the importance of following systems, procedures and rules
- able to take individual action to reduce risks to health and safety
- how workplace equipment and task design affect health and safety
Delivered over one day.
Mental Health Awareness
The course includes how to actively listen and have conversations, provide suggestions but empower the individual to make their own decisions on how to best provide assistance in difficult times.
It covers:
- understanding mental health and its importance
- knowing a range of common mental health conditions
- how to implement mental health strategies
- knowing how we can support others
Multiply - Confidence with Numbers
Do you want to improve your understanding and confidence with Maths? Do you need help with family budgeting? Do you look at your child's homework and feel like you cannot help?
Our short courses are fully funded, delivered in your local area by our experienced tutors (primary teachers and parents themselves) who understand the importance of working with the resources and methods that you need.
Delivered flexibly over either 1.5 days or three half days.
Neurodiversity Awareness
Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in how people think and process information and the course will cover conditions like autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and dyslexia, affecting about 15% of the UK adult population. The training promotes inclusivity by helping you understand and appreciate these cognitive differences.
The course:
- describes neurodiversity and its impact on individuals and workplaces
- fosters positive communication and create supportive cultures
- looks at neurodiverse strengths, challenges, and contributions
- navigates issues like burnout, hyperfocus, and sustainable energy management
Safeguarding Awareness Raising
The aim of this training is to develop learner's understanding of their role and responsibilities, in line with current guidelines, when safeguarding and protecting children, young people and adults at risk.
This course is for people who are working with children, young people, and adults at risk. This includes those in voluntary or unpaid positions.
Covers:
- understand the key safeguarding legislation and guidelines
- how legislation applies to their role
- what to do if a child or adult discloses information
- the signs and symptoms of abuse, neglect, or exploitation
- an overview of designated responsibilities for different safeguarding roles
- the role of the designated safeguarding officer
- how to deal effectively with safeguarding concerns
- increased knowledge of multi-agency work and relationships
- increased understanding of the key legislation underpinning multi-agency working
Delivered over a half day.
UP2U
The course may include the following elements, but can be tailored to meet your needs:
- knowing how mindset helps or hinders you in life
- understanding the term 'growth mindset
- being more in control of your job searching
- being more confident with employers
- recognising and use networking opportunities
- being more resilient when setbacks are experienced
In partnership with
- Matrix
- NCFE
- City and Guilds
- Durham Employment and Skills
- Qual Safe Awards