New Courses from Learning and skills coming in January 2026
The following is information from Learning and Skills.
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, 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, then please contact us 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 a current or future job role. These online courses - which can be completed in as little as 2 hours - help those in employment take the next step in their career or help those that might be seeking employment upskill and boost their CV. To view our courses, click here!
Cooking on a Budget
Every Tuesday - 10am till 12pm - starting 13th January 2026 - 5 weeks course - McNay Street Children's Centre
This course is for anybody aged 19+ who wants to learn how to create simple and affordable meals. The course will cover food costing comparisons, supermarket tricks and plenty of recipes, like homemade pizzas, quiche and soup. This course is taught in-person so you can get hands on with the cooking for the most effective learning.
Cooking on a Budget
Every Tuesday - 1pm till 3pm - starting 13th January 2026 - 5 weeks course - The Edge Centre, Corporation Road
This course is for anybody aged 19+ who wants to learn how to create simple and affordable meals. The course will cover food costing comparisons, supermarket tricks and plenty of recipes, like homemade pizzas, quiche and soup. This course is taught in-person so you can get hands on with the cooking for the most effective learning.
Essential Computer Skills
Every Tuesday - 9:30am till 11:30am - starting 13th January 2026 - 10 week course - The Coleridge Centre
This course is for those who does not have an ICT qualification and you would like to build up the basics of ICT and digital skills so that you can carry out the basic operations on a computer/laptop.
Parenting Together
Every Friday - 12:45pm till 2:45pm - starting 16th January 2026 - 5 week course - The Coleridge Centre
This course is for adults with children up to the age of 11 years old or learners looking to boost their CV for a career in schools. You will learn how to identify effective parenting strategies, promote self-esteem, use positive communication skills and much more. This course is taught in-person so you can ask questions and get feedback freely.
Level 1 Preparing to Work in Schools
Every Monday - 12:45pm till 2:45pm - starting 19th January 2026 - 5 week course - McNay Street Children's Centre
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.
Computing Basics
Every Tuesday - 9:30am till 11:30am - starting 27th January 2026 - 9 week course - The Coleridge Centre
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.
First Aid
Every Tuesday - 1pm till 3pm - starting 3rd March 2026 - 5 week course - The Edge Centre, Corporation Road
This course is for adults who would like to improve their first aid skills and create a safe environment in the home. It will focus on first aid procedures, ways to create a safe home, resuscitation skills, how to handle an emergency situation and more. This course is taught in-person so you can ask questions and get feedback freely.
Round the world cooking
Every Tuesday - 10am till 12pm - starting 3rd March 2026 - 5 week course - McNay Street Children's Centre
This course is for adults who would like to improve their first aid skills and create a safe environment in the home. It will focus on first aid procedures, ways to create a safe home, resuscitation skills, how to handle an emergency situation and more. This course is taught in-person so you can ask questions and get feedback freely.
Spring Art, Craft and Cooking
Every Wednesday - 10am till 12pm - starting 4th March 2026 - 5 week course - McNay Street Children's Centre
This course is for anybody aged 19+ who wants to try their hand at creating spring themed arts and crafts in a friendly and encouraging environment.
Sewing Class
Every Wednesday - 11:30am till 1pm - starting 4th March 2026 - 5 week course - Darlington Library
This course is for anybody aged 19+ who wants to learn the basics of sewing and develop practical skills they can use at home or build on in future projects.
Creative Crafts
Every Thursday - 12:15pm till 2:15pm - starting 5th March 2026 - 5 week course - Darlington Library
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.
Parenting Together
Every Friday - 12:45pm till 2:45pm - starting 6th March 2026 - 4 week course - Darlington Library
This course is for adults with children up to the age of 11 years old or learners looking to boost their CV for a career in schools. You will learn how to identify effective parenting strategies, promote self-esteem, use positive communication skills and much more. This course is taught in-person so you can ask questions and get feedback freely.
Courses for the Community
Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Schools - Every Monday - 12:30pm till 3:15pm - starting 19th January 2026 - 12 week course - The Coleridge Centre
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.
Career Courses
Customer Service - Arriva - Monday to Friday - 10am till 3pm - 2nd - 6th February 2026 - 1 week course - 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
Health & Social Care - Care Homes - Monday to Friday - 10am till 3pm - 16th - 20th February 2026 - 1 week course - 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 run in partnership with local care homes.
Health & Social Care - Domiciliary Care - Monday to Friday - 10am till 3pm - 23rd - 27th February 2026 - 1 week course - The Coleridge Centre
Learning & Skills is a further education and training provider based in Darlington. We offer a number of FREE courses to help local adults gain in confidence, upskill and get the job they want. These range for pre-entry level courses for people with limited skills and experience, through to a-level equivalent qualifications. We also offer apprenticeships and courses for younger learners aged between 16 and 18.
