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Residents are being encouraged to have their say on the future of learning to help boost job opportunities and ensure training and education is accessible to communities across North Yorkshire.
The Let’s Talk Skills engagement exercise, which has launched today (Monday, April 14), is part of North Yorkshire Council’s wider Let’s Talk campaign that has previously featured topics including finance and refuse services.
The latest initiative is designed to better understand the kinds of learning which people want to pursue, what challenges they face, and how training and education can be made more accessible to everyone – whether they are returning to work, changing careers or simply looking to try something new.
Since April 2024, Adult Learning North Yorkshire has supported more than 3,400 learners across the county with flexible courses in maths, English, IT, wellbeing and career training, delivered both online or in the classroom.
Jessica Teare, a mother-of-two from Whitby, is one of many learners who has benefitted. She retrained through a Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning and now works full-time in a school and has her sights set on a degree in child development.
Mrs Teare said: “I think a lot of people lose their confidence after having children so doing something for myself was a little scary.
“I enjoyed the course so much though. My teacher was extremely supportive and understood that I sometimes had family commitments so would need extensions on assignments. I’ve really caught the learning bug.”
For those thinking about taking the first step, Adult Learning North Yorkshire offers a range of support to help learners succeed. This includes help with childcare and travel costs, free exam fees, laptop loans, and advice from learner engagement officers who can even attend a first class with nervous students to help them settle in.
With the funding options that are available, 92 per cent of learners do not pay for their courses.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said: “We know that learning can change lives, and we want to make sure opportunities are open to everyone.
“Let’s Talk Skills is a chance for residents to shape what’s next – whether they want to upskill, retrain or simply grow in confidence. Every voice matters, and we want to hear from as many people as possible.” To take part and find out more about adult learning, visit www.northyorks.gov.uk/letstalk
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