New Courses from Learning and skills - updated 16 September

Recruiting now!

Distance Learning Courses

We are officially booking inductions for Distance Learning courses! Discover the world of online learning, where our courses are best suited for your busy schedule, still providing you with high-quality education. If you are interested in a Distance Learning course starting from August 2025, then please fill out this form and we will be in contact - https://forms.gle/u7L1cgeqeM4RBK7A7

Functional Skills Courses

We are officially booking initial assessments for our functional skills maths, English, ESOL and Digital skills courses! Our assessments are held weekly at The Coleridge centre (DL1 5AJ), Fridays at 1pm. If you are interested in a functional skills course starting from September 2025, then please get in touch and book your initial assessment now!

Continuing Professional Development Courses

We have a fantastic range of CPD courses available to help you stand out or give you the key knowledge needed for your job. These courses are online courses aimed at people who are already in employment and who want to boost their CV or take the next step in their career – To view our courses, click here!

Courses for the Family

Parenting Together – Friday’s, 12:45pm till 2:45pm, 19^th Sept – 17^th Oct, McNay Street Children’s Centre (5 weeks)

You will learn how to identify effective parenting strategies, promote self-esteem, use positive communication skills and much more.

Parenting Together - Friday’s, 12:45pm till 2:45pm, 7^th Nov – 5^th Dec , McNay Street Children’s Centre (5 weeks)

You will learn how to identify effective parenting strategies, promote self-esteem, use positive communication skills and much more.

Courses for the Community

Creative Crafts – Thursday’s, 1pm – 3pm, 6^th Nov – 4^th Dec, Darlington Library (5 weeks)

This course is for anybody aged 19+ who wants to learn about arts and crafts and develop skills that will help their child’s motor and sensory skills. Each week, the course will focus on a different craft and they will vary from course to course, but may include clay creations, needle felting and material canvas designs. This course is taught in-person so you can get hands on with the crafting for the most effective learning.

Festive Arts, Crafts & Cooking – Tuesday’s, 1pm – 3pm, 11^th Nov – 9^th Dec, The Edge Centre(5 weeks)

Celebrate the joy of the festive seasons with Festive Arts, Crafts & Cooking, a creative and hands-on course designed to spark the Christmas spirit through DIY projects and delicious treats. From handmade decorations and gifts to festive baked goods. Come along and enjoy making, baking, and learning in a warm, fun, friendly group.

Round the World Cooking – Tuesday’s, 10am – 12pm, 11^th Nov – 9^th Dec, McNay Street Children’s Centre (5 weeks)

Embark on a global culinary adventure in Round the World Cooking, this course celebrates diversity through food and equips learners with practical skills to recreate international meals at home. No prior cooking experience required—just bring your appetite and curiosity!

Festive Arts, Crafts & Cooking – Wednesday’s, 10am – 12pm, 12^th Nov – 10^th Dec, McNay Street (5 weeks)

Celebrate the joy of the festive seasons with Festive Arts, Crafts & Cooking, a creative and hands-on course designed to spark the Christmas spirit through DIY projects and delicious treats. From handmade decorations and gifts to festive baked goods. Come along and enjoy making, baking, and learning in a warm, fun, friendly group.

Career courses

Health & Social Care – Care Homes – Monday till Friday, 10am – 3pm, 22^nd Sept – 26^th Sept, The Coleridge Centre

Gain vital health and social care knowledge and skills for employment in various partner care homes in this week-long course with a guaranteed interview upon completion. This course is ran in partnership with Willow Green, Elderwood, Oaklodge, Darlington Manor and Eden Lodge

Introduction to Customer Service – EE - Monday till Friday, 10am – 3pm, 29^th Sept – 3^rd Oct, The Coleridge Centre

Gain customer service and interview skills with EE in this week-long course with a guaranteed interview upon completion. You will learn customer service skills, including how best to communicate with customers and how to process different requests. There will also be a visit from EE staff and a guided tour of the EE site.

Introduction to Hospitality – Blackwell Grange – Monday till Friday, 10am – 3pm, 3^rd Nov – 7^th Nov, The Coleridge Centre 

Gain Food and Beverage service and interview skills with Blackwell Grange Hotel in this week-long course with a guaranteed interview upon completion. You will learn Food and Beverage service skills, including how best to serve different types of guests and how to work well as part of the Food and Beverage team. There will also be a visit from Blackwell Grange Hotel staff and an exclusive tour of the Blackwell Grange Hotel.

Introduction to Customer Service – Arriva – Monday till Friday, 10am – 3pm, 24^th Nov – 28^th Nov, The Coleridge Centre

Gain customer service and interview skills with Arriva in this week-long course with a guaranteed interview upon completion. You will learn customer service skills, including how best to communicate with customers and how to process different requests. There will also be a visit from Arriva staff and a guided tour of the workplace

Other courses

Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Schools – Wednesday’s 9am till 12pm, 17^th Sept – 10^th Oct, The Coleridge Centre (12 weeks)

This in person course is for people interested in volunteering or working in schools with the opportunity to develop your knowledge on the delivery of the national curriculum, understanding of the school structure, behaviour management and much more.