Literacy and numeracy keyskills

County Training can help you improve the skills you use in everyday life, such as, reading, writing or maths - and once you get started you'll find that it's easier than you thought!

Along with help to progress in these areas, at the end of your hard work you will have a nationally recognised qualification in essential skills.

Our courses aim to build your confidence, develop your skills in a friendly, flexible environment and give you the opportunity to fulfil your potential.

What are essential skills?
The ability to read and write English and use Mathematics.

Most of us could benefit from improving these skills for various reasons; because they are rusty through lack of use, through the introduction of new technology, or maybe because we did not enjoy our school days.

Literacy
Do you think you need to improve your reading or writing - but don't know how to go about it? If you want to get by - and get on - reading and writing skills are essential. Once you've taken that first step you'll wonder what you were worried about!

Numeracy
Maths is a part of our everyday lives. Knowing the basics will help improve your prospects - and make life a lot easier!

Lifeskills/Lifestyles
Our range of lifestyle courses have been designed to help you with specific aspects of your life - whether it's finding a job, helping your child or staying fit and healthy.

Work based
Whether you're looking for a job or just want to improve your prospects, developing your work-based skills will really help you stand out from the crowd

You can access local, free learning opportunities in skills for life where:

• you can learn at your own speed
• one to one help is available
• there is no cost
• you can relax and enjoy learning
• groups are small

Get in touch
If you think you would like to try out a course to improve your English or Maths then there or lots of options to choose from::

• courses are available at different levels, from beginners, to those who just need to fill in the gaps in their skills
• Learndirect

If you like learning on a computer, study from home by going online.

Jobcentre Plus
If you are claiming benefits, there are lots of courses to help you improve your skills. You can even get paid £10 a week to attend on top of your benefits and payment for gaining a qualification. Just ask your advisor. Visit the Jobcentre Plus website by selecting the link on this page.

Entry to employment courses
If you are 16-19 years old and are not sure what career direction to take, this is the course for you. Earn up to £50 a week and improve your English and Maths while finding out about job options available. You can even try job tasters.

Workbased learning
Many employers now offer short courses to help you improve your maths, English or IT for work. Why not ask your personnel manager or training officer? If you have a learner representative in your organisation, they can also help.

National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)
Develop the skills you need for your job and achieve a qualification. A qualified assessor will assess you whilst you do your job, using the national standards that have been agreed by your industry. For more information on the NVQs available please select the link on this page.