Links to useful information about:

• Adult learning

• Courses

• Not sure which course to do?

• Distance learning

• Qualifications

• Money to learn

• Childcare

• Useful organisations

www.whatnextnotts.co.uk

Information on all post-16 qualifications in Nottinghamshire. Includes 'maps' which show how you can move from one qualifcation to another to reach different careers.

www.waytolearn.co.uk
Contains useful information about qualifications and learning. Includes sections on voluntary work, money, resources, transport and childcare.

www.niace.org.uk
Website of NIACE, who work in all fields of education and training to promote adult learning. They have specialist expertise with groups that are under-represented, such as basic skills and older learners. Calendar of adult learning events, including details of Adult Learners' Week.

www.campaign-for-learning.org.uk
The Campaign aims to create opportunities and to provide support for family learning and learning at work. Lists forthcoming learning events and provides information about learning.

www.bbc.co.uk/learning

Loads of fun, informal stuff, from videos of other people's experiences to crosswords in other languages.

www.lsc.gov.uk
The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is responsible for funding and planning education and training for over-16s in England. Details given of Apprenticeships in the 'Campaigns' section, including downloadable factsheets.

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(See Course search page on our website to search for courses in the area)

www.learndirect.co.uk
Learndirect offers flexible learning at a time, place and pace to suit you. This site includes a searchable nationwide database of 500,000 courses as well as information about learning.

www.emid.wea.org.uk
The East Midlands branch of the national charity. The Workers' Educational Association aims to provide adults with access to learning, which develops understanding and confidence. They work with other agencies to meet the needs of adult learners. Contact WEA for details of latest courses in your area.

www.ucas.ac.uk/access
Want to study for a degree, but don't have qualifications? Access courses are designed for adults aged 19+ who don't have formal qualifications. Courses usually take year full-time or upto three years part-time. Searchable database of Access courses nationally.

www.direct.gov.uk/bursarymap

Interested in studying a university-level course? A new online map which shows what bursaries (scholarship-type payments that don't have to be repaid) are available where.

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See nextstep Centres for information and advice.

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www.open.ac.uk
Website of the Open University. Flexible and supported distance learning courses are listed online.

www.nec.ac.uk
National Extension College offer a range of distance learning courses from GCSEs to business courses.

www.distance-learning.hobsons.com
A-Z of providers of distance learning providers and courses.

www.oca-uk.com
Open College of the Arts website. Lists the open learning Arts courses available.

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www.ocr.org.uk
OCR offers an extensive range of nationally recognised qualifications, covering general, vocationally related and occupational subjects. Search by qualification type and subject. Includes chart showing the relationship between different types of qualification, under 'NQF'. OCR runs training for assessment and verification of NVQs.

www.dfes.gov.uk/nvq
Explains what NVQs are, which NVQs are available and how to gain an NVQ.

www.edexcel.org.uk
Edexcel provide a wide range of qualifications from GCSEs and Key Skills to BTEC. Search by subject or qualification.

www.city-and-guilds.co.uk
Lists the range qualifications offered by City and Guilds which recognise skills used in the workplace.

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www.slc.co.uk
Details of student loans to cover living costs while studying in Higher Education. Information about how to apply and repay loans.

www.lifelonglearning.co.uk/cdl
Career Development Loans - these are repayable loans for help with course fees, travel expenses, materials and childcare costs.

www.hero.ac.uk/studying/funding_your_study263.cfm
Higher Education and Research Opportunities in the UK website. As well as advice about choosing a course, the site also includes information about sources of funding for studying.

www.doh.gov.uk/hcsmain.htm
Downloadable version of the 'Financial Help for Health Care Students' booklet, which gives details of bursaries for healthcare courses such as Midwifery, and how to apply for them. Copies of this booklet are also available from the Deptartment of Health Publications. Tel: 08701 555455 ref. 28980.

www.skill.org.uk
National Bureau for Students with Disabilities - SKILL provide opportunities for people with any kind of disability in learning and employment (aged 16+). Free downloadable factsheets on applying to college, financial help etc. Free information and advice service via their helpline for disabled people and professionals who work with them: 0800 328 5050.

www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupport
Information for those currently in, or considering going into Higher Education. Details of help available for students in a variety of circumstances. Downloadable forms and guides online.

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