Staffordshire residents build confidence and find new opportunities through adult learning
Free and low-cost courses have helped people return to work, gain qualifications and overcome a lack of confidence, with thousands taking part over the past year
Residents across Staffordshire have been using adult learning courses to develop new skills, improve their confidence and take steps towards fresh career opportunities.
One learner, who had been out of work for some time, said a digital skills course helped rebuild their confidence and prepare for job interviews, eventually helping them secure employment.
Another discovered a passion for accounting through the courses and has since started preparing for a career in the profession.
Georgina, who initially lacked confidence in maths, went on to achieve a Level 2 Functional Skills qualification and is now progressing to higher education to study podiatry.
The stories feature in an annual report on Staffordshire County Council's Community Learning Service, which supported 3,089 enrolments across 316 courses during 2025/26.
The programme offers free and low-cost courses for adults covering subjects including digital skills, English, maths, wellbeing, employability, vocational training and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).
Courses are aimed at people with different levels of experience, including those returning to education after many years, looking to gain qualifications or hoping to improve their employment prospects.
Achievement rates reached 94 per cent, while more than 99 per cent of learners said they would recommend their course to others.
The service also provides support for people who face barriers to learning, including those with disabilities, health conditions and caring responsibilities.
Robin Hall, Staffordshire County Council's cabinet member for economy and skills, said: "Community Learning is about far more than gaining qualifications. It helps people build confidence, improve their wellbeing, develop vital life and work skills and open doors to new opportunities."
The annual report is due to be considered by the council's Economy and Infrastructure Scrutiny Committee on November 19.
People can find out more about courses through Staffordshire County Council's Community Learning Service webpage.