Free skills courses in the North West can support jobseekers impacted by COVID-19

Unemployed and low-wage adults in the North West of England can take advantage of free online educational courses with a focus on providing skills for roles that are likely to be in demand in the post-lockdown labour market.

Unemployment levels have likely been compounded by the phasing out of the furlough scheme, and reports that there will be twice as many redundancies as in the last recession. It is more important than ever to provide jobseekers with the skills they need to find and sustain employment in an increasingly competitive labour market.

The online courses are free to anyone aged between 19 and 65 who are unemployed on or low wage. Seetec Outsource, the employee owned provider of adult education courses, runs the courses in Liverpool and Manchester regions through the Local Authority Adult Education Budget (AEB). 

The programmes are delivered by an online blended model that can be accessed flexibly from Seetec centres or by homeworking, meaning learners can complete the sessions around other commitments such as work or childcare.

Dorian and Maria have recently completed a Seetec Outsource course and successfully secured employment in Liverpool.  Both have recommended the service to their friends as it has made a real impact on their lives moving them towards their ultimate goals.