What is Learning in the Community?
Learning in the Community is a free adult education programme delivered by Bedfordshire Employment and Skills Academy (BESA), designed to help you develop your maths, English and digital skills, all of which are vital essential skills we use in everyday life and in the workplace.
BESA also offers a range of courses that develop skills to move you closer towards employability or further learning. Funded by Adult Skills Funding, these courses are free, flexible and take place in community venues across Central Bedfordshire and Bedford Borough.
Our sessions are designed for all abilities and provide a supportive learning environment. Whether you want to improve your essential skills, confidence with numbers, enhance your reading and writing skills, learn to use technology or prepare for work, we’re here to help.
There are no formal exams, instead, we use RARPA (Recognising and Recording Progress and Achievement) to track your learning.
Our courses will help you to:
- build confidence in maths, English, digital and employability skills
- improve everyday skills like managing money, writing emails, and using technology
- prepare for work by developing employability skills and job application techniques
- communicate better through improved reading, writing, and speaking skills
- gain independence by learning practical skills for real-life situations
Learning in the community is all about practical, real-life skills to help you feel more confident in everyday life and work. Whether you’re learning for personal growth or career development, we’re here to support you every step of the way!
Some of the courses we’re currently delivering include:
- Communicate with Confidence – Essential Skills for Employment and Everyday Life
- Life Beyond Benefits
- Master the process of uploading and modifying your CV onto digital platforms
- Unlock your potential
- Volunteer Toolkit – Step-by-Step Guide
- Numeracy Confidence – Essential Skills for Everyday Life
- Digital Essential Skills for Beginners
- Literacy Confidence – Reading, Writing & Communication for Everyday Life
If you’re interested in any of these courses, please tell us:
Do you lead or attend a community group?
If you lead or attend a group within the Central Bedfordshire or Bedford Borough and think your members would benefit from one or more of our courses, please get in touch. We are keen to meet the needs of the community and are open to delivering bespoke courses.