Adult Learning and Employment

Adult and Family Learning in Lincolnshire

The Lincolnshire Adult Skills and Family Learning Service offers a wide range of courses supporting and enabling people to enhance their quality of life and opportunities. Courses are delivered in community venues, local colleges, schools and children’s centres, and online.

Some courses are specifically designed to support parents and their families and are likely to be available in the daytime, evenings, and weekends.

Courses funded by the government, including ESOL and Level 3 - Courses for Job Offer, will be free of charge to Ukrainian nationals living in the United Kingdom under either the Ukraine Family Scheme, or the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine). Local training providers may charge a small fee for private classes.

To find out about opportunities in your area:

Visit www.2aspire.org.uk or ring 01522 782011 to find out about courses and training providers in Lincolnshire
Use the National Careers Service website which offers advice on choosing courses and a postcode search to help you find a suitable class
Read notices in local newspapers or on noticeboards in schools, children’s centres, doctors’ surgeries, community centres, libraries or voluntary groups
Speak to friends, neighbours, and colleagues to find out what’s happening locally and what courses are on offer

Learning English

The primary language in the United Kingdom is English. The UK is very culturally diverse, with many nationalities residing here. There are opportunities to learn the English language, either through courses at colleges or education establishments, online resources such as the BBC Learning English page or community-based activities hosted by charities that offer basic English in the area you live. Visit www.2aspire.org.uk or ring 01522 782011 to find out about English language courses in Lincolnshire.

Transport and childcare support for adults studying English

We know that many guests wish to undertake ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses. In some cases, funding can be provided to help adults attend these courses, including helping with transport and childcare costs. Please contact the course contact/learning provider for further information.

Adult Courses at Boston College

Boston College offers a wide variety of part time courses for Adult Learners (aged 19+). There are many opportunities to gain new skills and qualifications for your career. Courses are available in the daytime and evening at our campuses in Boston, Spalding, and Horncastle. Courses include:

Adult Bite-size
English and Maths
ESOL
Part time Technical Training
Distance Learning
University Level

To find a full list of adult courses and to apply online, visit the Boston College website https://www.boston.ac.uk/ or for further information email info@boston.ac.uk or call 01205 313218.

Community Learning Centre - Louth

For information about Adult Learning courses at the Louth Learning Centre, including Maths, English and IT, please visit the Grimsby Institute website: Louth | Grimsby Institute

Lincoln College & Newark College

We offer all 5 levels of accredited ESOL from Entry level 1 to Level 2 at both Lincoln and Newark. The Lincoln Campus has a morning, afternoon and evening option at each level, and Newark has one class per level each week.

We also offer a First Words in English course for those that we assess below Entry Level 1. This 16-week course is set to prepare students to join the E1 accredited classes.

Before a student can join the courses, an assessment will need to be arranged by emailing ESOL@lincolncollege.ac.uk.

Website: https://www.lincolncollege.ac.uk/

ESOL Lincoln Flyer

ESOL Newark Flyer

Boston College

Boston College currently offers four ESOL courses, including both part-time and full-time options:

ESOL Certificate (Part Time) - Boston, Spalding - January 2023: This part-time ESOL course is for you if English is not your first language. There are two options available, Speaking and Listening or Reading and Writing, from Entry 1 to Level 2. You will be assessed before you start your course to determine which level is most suitable for you. Studying is flexible at a choice of locations and times.

Introduction to IELTS - Boston - Monday 20th February 2023: This short course is for adult learners who have English as a second language and wish to develop their reading, writing, and speaking skills. You will be introduced to the basic elements of the IELTS examination and practice a range of exam strategies. You will have a short English Language assessment prior to enrolment.

Preparation for IELTS - Boston - Thursday 23rd February 2023: Preparation for IELTS focuses on the English language skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening. This 15-week course reflects on the academic language used for academic study or training purposes while in the UK.

ESOL (Full Time) - Boston - September 2023: The ESOL course is designed for learners who have not previously attended school or college in England and do not possess the level of language skills necessary to access education and training. The course includes English, maths, ICT and vocational skills to help you to progress to further study at Boston College.

IELTs is the world’s most popular English language test and is recognised worldwide. On completion, learners should be confident to undertake their IELTS examination at a local test centre.

To find out more information and to apply online for the ESOL courses at Boston College, visit our website at www.boston.ac.uk or email info@boston.ac.uk or call 01205 313218.

Peterborough College (PE6 and PE9 postcodes only)

Face to face courses:

Part time day ESOL courses - 7 hours a week across mornings/afternoons (speaking and listening / writing / reading).
Part time evening ESOL courses - 4 hours a week across 2 evenings (speaking and listening / writing / reading).

All part time courses are working towards a Pearson Edexcel Award and Certificate.

We also have full time classes available for 16–18 year olds.

Digital offer from April 2022:

Study from home in your own time, using our course websites, featuring interactive online lessons with all work monitored and marked by the tutor
Dedicated tutor for live, online 1-1 feedback, speaking practice and exam preparation
Short, 8-week intensive courses: Speaking & Listening, Reading and Writing
Year-round start dates: August / October / January / April
All Digital courses are working towards a Pearson Edexcel Award and Certificate
Suitable for Level 1 - Level 2 learners (new levels being added for 2023)
Access to all college support services

JobSmart satellite centre - Peterborough City Centre:

ESOL for Work - non-accredited 11 or 12 week courses starting w/c 12 Sept (also at the start of Jan and start of April).
Part time accredited Speaking & Listening classes start w/c 12 Sept.

After assessment, students will be put in classes that suit their levels.

Applications for all of the above courses can be made through the Peterborough College website:

https://peterborough.ac.uk/courses/subjects/esol/

TaylorITEX (Boston)

Taster courses will lead on to Conversational English or English for Speakers of Other Languages courses, depending on the starting point of each learner. Initial Assessments will take place to guide the learners to the course that most adequately suits their needs and requirements.

If you would like to discuss further provision of courses in the Boston, Mablethorpe, Skegness or Louth area, contact Julie Mitchell, tel: 01205 360800.

Website: https://www.tayloritex.co.uk

Adult Skills and Family Learning Service (LCC)

The non-accredited courses that we are offering for adults 19+ in Lincolnshire are Essential English for ESOL learners (Entry Level/ Levels 1 & 2. There are courses starting in January 2023 in Lincoln, Sleaford, Boston, Spalding, Bourne, Market Deeping, Grantham and Stamford.

If our courses are fully booked or we do not have a course available in your area, we are often able to signpost you to another organisation or group offering ESOL provision.

To find out more and check if there are any courses near you, please email andrea.mellers@lincolnshire.gov.uk or tracie.charles@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Or visit our website: www.2aspire.org.uk for more information.

You may be eligible to apply for childcare or travel costs to enable you to attend our courses.

English lessons - Louth Library

Thursdays: 2.5 hour morning session for anyone wanting to learn English (provided by ITEX Boston)

Wednesdays and Fridays: 1 hour sessions for non-English speakers - 'Survival English'. TESOL trainers with translators.

These informal classes lead to entry level 1 and 2 at college and can be followed by entry level 3 and upwards at either college or learning centre for those wishing to obtain formal qualifications.

Contact Ken (EL Area of Sanctuary) - Tel: 01507 607724, 07957 739600

Or email: Karen.waring@gll.org or luwingu@aol.com

Lincoln City Foundation

We deliver Conversation Club classes and ESOL lessons from the LNER Stadium in Lincoln on various days and times throughout the week. Conversation Classes provide informal opportunities to practice speaking English alongside the chance to build social connections and are open to all levels of English speaking. ESOL lessons are targeted at different levels of learner and follow a set scheme of work for a period of weeks. To find out more please contact community@lincolncityfoundation.co.uk

Acts Trust (Lincoln)

From September 2022 on Thursday afternoons during term time we plan to run an ESOL Café at the Alive Church in Lincoln where refugees and immigrants can come and practice speaking English, socialise and take part in a variety of activities.

Location: Alive Church, Newland, Lincoln LN1 1XG

Email: simon@actstrust.org.uk

Tel: 01522 542166

Learning English - Apps

BBC Learning English: All the BBC Learn English lessons and activities in an app.
Duolingo: Free app, very easy and fun to use. Suitable for adults or children.
Rosetta Stone: You can pay for a premium version of this but if you just click ‘no thanks’ and on the cross to close down when it asks you to subscribe, there are lots of free 10 minute lessons for beginners to intermediate.
Memrise: Lots of free vocabulary, listening and matching games. The app is free, just click ‘maybe later’ when it asks if you want to buy the paid version.
Drops: Good for vocabulary, a fun app with memory games. Free if you don’t subscribe, just click on the cross to close when it asks if you want to upgrade.
SayHi Translate: lets you have a conversation in two languages and easily understand each other. Just tap a button and start speaking.

Learning English - Podcasts

BBC 6 Minute English: 6 minute videos on language for intermediate and advanced students. https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english
British Council Learn English Podcast: Lots of episodes with dramas, stories and quizzes. Each episode has a transcript so you can practise reading too. For intermediate level.
https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/general-english/audio-series/podcasts
BBC The English We Speak: 3 minute programmes about English sayings. For intermediate or advanced level. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02pc9zn/episodes/downloads
Podcasts in English: Podcast episodes for beginners to intermediate level to help improve conversation. Videos to watch at the same time and transcripts and quizzes available too. https://www.podcastsinenglish.com/
Culips English Podcast: American English but interesting topics. Stars used to rate difficulty from 1 to 5. https://esl.culips.com/

Learning English - Websites (Beginners/Pre-Entry Level)

ESOL Courses: Lots of activities on reading, writing and speaking; from learning the alphabet to days of the week and conversation starters. https://www.esolcourses.com/uk-english/beginners-course/free-english-lessons.html
Future Learn: Free online 4 week courses for beginners through Kings College London. Enrol any time. https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/basic-english-elementary
Future Learn: Free online 4 week course for pre-intermediate through Kings College London. Enrol any time. https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/basic-english-pre-intermediate
BBC Learning English My Way: Beginners lessons on lots of useful topics. https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/course/emw

Learning English - Websites (Intermediate Level)

British Council: Online lessons are available for £5.99 per month but the website has lots of resources on grammar, reading, writing and listening for free too. https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/
Future Learn: Free 4 week course which uses TV programmes to help build confidence in writing, reading and speaking English. https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/my-name-is-lucky
ESOL Courses: A fun way to learn English through song lyrics! https://www.esolcourses.com/topics/learn-english-with-songs.html
Cambridge English: Lots of activities, quizzes and links to free games and apps. https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/learning-english/
BBC Learning English: Lots of video lessons and activities on vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, English for business. https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/#navIndex-0

Learning English - Websites (Advanced Level)

Oxford Online English: Free English lessons: pronunciation, business English, IELTS preparation. https://www.oxfordonlineenglish.com/free-english-lessons
Future Learn: English for academic study course. Free but limited 2 week access. https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/english-academic-study
BBC Skillswise: Writing activities for English and Maths – useful for functional skills exams. https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/skillswise
National Geographic: Grammar, writing and reading activities on nature and science topics. https://ngllife.com/student-zone

Filing for employment in the UK

There are a wealth of employment agencies around Lincolnshire who search for candidates that are registered with them for advertised roles. Typical roles may include manufacturing, IT, agriculture. There are many different avenues into employment, below are several useful links to job search sites where vacant positions can be applied for:

There are also a vast amount of tools online to aid with CV writing, topic areas to covered within an application, interview skills and interview preparation. Job Centre Sites around Lincolnshire where you can book an appointment to speak with an advisor to gain help and guidance in finding employment.

Employment rights

When offered a job or start work, there are a number of things you should be aware of while working in the UK.

When you go to work, you have the right to be treated fairly and work in a safe environment. Organisations and businesses have a legal duty to treat everyone fairly in the workplace and in the way they recruit people for jobs. Men and women have the right to work. Men and women have equal rights and duties in employment. It is illegal to discriminate against anyone applying for a job or in the workplace on the basis of gender, race, religion, being married or in a civil partnership, disability, age, sexual orientation or if they are pregnant.

You also have the right to be able to work without fear or harassment from your employer, colleagues or customers. Workers over the age of 18 are usually entitled to three types of break – rest breaks at work, daily rest and weekly rest.

If you work more than six hours in a day, you have the right to one uninterrupted 20 minute rest break during your working day. The break doesn’t have to be paid – it depends on your employment contract. Almost all workers are legally entitled to 5.6 weeks paid holiday per year (known as statutory leave entitlement or annual leave). An employer can include bank holidays (also known as public holidays) as part of statutory annual leave.

Every employer in the country must pay their employees a minimum amount per hour. How much this is depends on how old you are. Find out the national minimum wage and living wage rates.

Professional Qualifications

For information and support with getting your professional qualifications recognised in the UK, please see the Ecctis support leaflet. Guests on Universal Credit can seek support with any associated costs from their DWP Work Coach before progressing their enquiries.

Achieving qualified teacher status in the UK

From 1 February 2023, teachers with a teaching qualification from nine countries, including Ukraine, will be able to apply to the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) for qualified teacher status (QTS). Read more on the government website.