Winter opportunities

Learning and career opportunities in Lancashire 

The new year is the perfect time to reflect, set new goals, and embrace fresh starts. Whether you're looking to learn a new skill or look at career opportunities, now is an ideal time to try new things. 

Learn something new 

Lancashire Adult Learning provides a wide range of free online and flexible courses designed to support your development. 

Fancy enjoying a bit of you time with a leisure or wellbeing course? Or want to develop new skills in Maths or English? From First Aid to Vehicle Maintenance, and everything else in between, there are courses available across Lancashire. 

Whether you're pursuing education to take the next step in your career or looking to find a profession you are passionate about, Lancashire Adult Learning can help you with your future aspirations. 

If you need advice on which course is right for you, help with fees or any other information, please call on 0333 003 1717 or visit Lancashire Adult Learning. 

Skills Bootcamps 

Change your career in 16 weeks or less with one of our Skills Bootcamps, with a GUARANTEED job interview when you finish. Skills Bootcamps are intensive and flexible courses of up to 16 weeks, giving people the opportunity to build up sector specific skills and fast track to an interview with a local employer. 

There are lots of Skills Bootcamps available from Digital to Construction.

Designed with employers, participants will gain the in-demand skills to move into or progress in their chosen sector. Participants will be offered a guaranteed job interview upon completion. 

Digital skills 

The Lancashire Digital Skills Partnership webpages offer a range of online training to individuals and organisations.  

Whether you’re: 

• An adult looking to upskill in essential digital skills for work or just understand some of the jargon, learn more advanced digital skills such as AI or Cyber or looking for guidance with CVs and job applications 

• A teacher looking to improve your skills or looking for opportunities and teaching resources for students  

• A young person trying to learn to code, be better at using Office 365 or get industry digital badges in advanced digital skills. 

• Or a business or charity looking to understand more on AI and how it could support your overall objectives or help the workforce upskill in essential digital skills to improve productivity 

There are also sign post to local in person training opportunities via adult learning teams for individuals or business networks for businesses and charities. 

Connect to work  

A free service that helps you find – and keep – a job that suits you. 

We focus on your strengths and support you every step of the way. We can help you: 

• Get into paid work and stay in it 

• Keep your job if things get tough 

• Speak to your employer about the support you need 

• Work with health professionals to support your wellbeing at work 

And if Connect to Work isn’t the right fit, we’ll help you find something that is. 

Let’s talk. Visit www.lancashireskillshub.co.uk/connect-to-work to find out more. 

Apprenticeships 

Apprenticeships are a great way to learn while working and earning a wage. You'll gain practical skills on the job and attend college or a training provider one day a week. 

Apprenticeships are available in a range of industries and subjects, last for at least 8 months, and are open to anyone aged 16 and above. 

As an apprentice you will be a paid employee and have other employment rights, such as holiday pay. Pay rates depend on your age and how far you are in your apprenticeship. 

Explore the opportunities and further advice available for you. 

Apprenticeship Advice - Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub 

Visit the SORTED website for information on apprenticeships in Lancashire. 

You can also find an apprenticeship at GOV.UK. 

Working in early years 

Early years professionals have the incredible opportunity to shape young minds during the most crucial development stages of a child's life. If you’re a parent, or someone who has supported and cared for children, you are likely to already have the right skills to get started in childcare. Working in a childcare setting, you can be part of a team, lead a team or be your own boss and become a childminder. Explore exciting career opportunities in early years today.

Childcare 

Balancing family life with work is tough, but you can access 15-30 hours childcare with a local nursery, pre-school or childminder.   

Support is available for working parents of children from 9 months to 4 years with extra help through Universal Credit Childcare and Tax-Free Childcare.  Even if you aren’t currently working, you could be eligible for childcare support from 2 years old to give your child the best start in life.   

For those with primary school aged children, you could benefit from an increase in wraparound childcare before and after school. Tax-Free Childcare can be used to help pay for wraparound childcare also. Whether you need childcare for work, study, or to learn a new skill, don't miss out on this opportunity for you and your child.  

More information about childcare.

Find a volunteering opportunity 

Volunteering is a great way to try new things, meet new people and enhance your skills. 

Our volunteers get involved in many different areas, from supporting older people who may feel isolated at home, to helping within your local community. 

Find out how you can make a difference at Lancashire Volunteer Partnership. 

Work for us 

Lancashire is a place we're very proud of, and we take very seriously the role the county council plays in serving its residents, businesses and visitors. 

If you'd like to play your part in Lancashire's exciting future and make a difference to your community, we have a wide range of roles available across social care, children's services, customer access, libraries, museums, education, roads and transport, environment, planning and economic growth. 

Find a role to suit you.