Learning and career reference and research help
COBRA
The Complete Online Business Reference Advisor (COBRA) is an encyclopaedia of practical information for anyone involved in setting up, running or managing a business enterprise.
As a Kent library card holder, you can download or print documents for your own personal use, to help research, start up or run a business. No part of the product can be transmitted, promoted, referred to or linked to by any other means, including by email or on the internet, without written permission from COBRA. Remote access is restricted to 12 business information briefings, 12 business opportunities profiles, and 6 UK market synopsis a year. You can access the COBRA website in any Kent library or at home.
Institute of Accountants and Bookkeepers
We have teamed up with the Institute of Accountants and Bookkeepers to provide a free 1 hour course on managing your finances, which covers:
- setting a household budget
- understanding your payslip
- reducing your cost-of-living expenses
- understanding loan repayments
- accessing financial support.
You can enrol online or by logging in to any library computer.
On completion, you will receive a certificate of learning which will be invaluable when applying for jobs, volunteering roles, housing or accessing further qualifications.
Theory Test Pro
Theory Test Pro is a highly realistic online simulation of the UK's driving theory test. It contains the entire official test question bank, hazard perception video clips and an online version of the Highway Code. All this material is licensed from the Driving Standards Agency (DSA), the people who set the tests.
When you first use Theory Test Pro, you will need to register with your name, email address and password. This information allows Theory Test Pro to save your test scores so you can follow your progress as you practise for the test. If you sign up from anywhere other than a library, you will also need your library card number.
Visit the Theory Test Pro website.
Free computer courses
Access basic step-by-step courses to learn digital skills or Cisco courses designed to help progress your career in IT with recognised qualifications.
Free websites
BBC Learning English
BBC Learning English is part of BBC World Service and is dedicated to providing free resources for learners of English at all levels covering grammar, vocabulary, listening practice and more. There are videos and podcasts, with new episodes each weekday. Materials are mainly for self-study, but can also be used in class. Almost all series have subtitles, a transcript and a worksheet or quiz.
Visit the BBC Learning English website.
CXK
CXK is a charity that delivers a range of services to empower young people and adults across the south-east to build the skills and confidence they need to move into sustainable education, employment or training.
Find a Job
You can search and apply for jobs free via Find a Job from the Department for Work and Pensions. You don't need to be registered to search for jobs but setting up an account will help match job opportunities to your skills and enable you to use the CV builder.
FutureLearn
FutureLearn is a private company owned by the Open University that offers a diverse selection of courses from leading universities and cultural institutions from around the world. The courses are delivered one step at a time, and are accessible on mobile, tablet and desktop, so you can fit learning around your life. Many of the online courses can be accessed for free for the duration of the course plus fourteen days.
Visit the FutureLearn website.
Kent Adult Education
Kent Adult Education provides an extensive programme of courses aiming to meet the varied needs and interests of Kent communities.
Visit the Kent Adult Education website.
Learndirect
Guidance and advice on careers and courses, as well as details of their online courses.
Visit the Learndirect website.
National Careers Service
The National Careers Service provides information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work.
Visit the National Careers Service website.
UCAS
The University and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS) is an independent charity providing information, advice, and admissions services to guide prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students (plus parents and advisers) along the right route, giving them the support and advice they need to make an informed decision about their future.