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Meet Szabina who is studying coding
Weston College and UWE Bristol have developed a new Skills Alliance and have joined forces to provide adults in the Bristol area the opportunity to access Weston College's Ofsted outstanding further education teaching, delivered at UWE's superb higher education facilities at its Frenchay Campus in Bristol.
For people aged 19+ who don't already have a Level 3 qualification, this new Skills Alliance offers several courses for free in Bristol.
The courses and all associated examination fees are free - provided individuals live in the South West of England and do not already hold a Level 3 qualification.
The Prime Minister announced that as part of the Lifetime Skills Guarantee £95 million of funding would be made available through the National Skills Fund from April 2021 to provide learners aged 19+ to access their first full Level 3 qualification (equivalent to an A Level) for free. This fund provides access to qualifications that will help support people back into work, following the pandemic that has gripped our lives for the last 14 months.
Szabina has been working full-time for over 10 years and has been considering retraining for a while. She recalls:
“When I saw the advert saying this course was free, I thought I have nothing to lose – this is a great opportunity! I have no previous coding experience and I am hoping it will give me more insight into coding and the IT industry. As well as the fundamentals of coding, inc python, we have also learnt a lot about project management which will be useful.”
The courses is a mix of virtual and one face-to-face lesson each week at UWE Bristol.
Szabina adds “the teachers are amazing and very supportive, having the Weston College course here in Bristol makes it more accessible.”
“If you are thinking of retraining, I would recommend it, it’s been a great experience. Don’t be scared, have the courage, believe in yourself and give it a go – it’s free!”.
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