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The first
Skills
Plus centre opened in Sittingbourne in 2003 and the initiative
is offered for free to adults
 wanting to improve their numeracy and literacy
and is available through the Kent Adult Education
Service.
Courses are run at 11 dedicated Skills Plus centres throughout
the county and also at further adult education centres.
Many adults find they need to improve their English and Maths
skills later in life in order to fill gaps in their education with
recognised qualifications in order to secure a specific career or
simply to help with daily tasks such as shopping and filling in
forms.
Prospective students can join at any time throughout the year
and courses run mornings, afternoons and evenings so studies can be
fitted around family life and other commitments. Each student has
an assessment to gauge their level of ability and their studies are
tailored to suit each person based around real-life situations.
Aimed at anyone over the age of 19, completion of the course
leads to National Qualifications in English and Maths which are an
accepted alternative to GCSEs for adults.
In October 2007 the 5,000th learner was enrolled with Skills
Plus and since August 2007 alone, 1,379 new students have joined
the scheme. There are plans to open further centres in the county
and it is hoped that partnerships with employers, schools and
community groups will enable more people to work towards nationally
recognised qualifications in English and
Maths. |