Apprenticeships & Adult Learning
Welcome
Lifelong learning matters to us! No matter what your goals are, we are here to assist you every step of the way.
We take pride providing a safe, respectful and inclusive learning environment that’s accessible for all.
In addition to assisting residents in acquiring skills and qualifications, ACL is committed to ensuring that everyone has equal access to opportunities through education. This can have a positive impact on overall health, well-being, independence, and sense of belonging, as well as confidence in both personal and professional life.
Our team is eager to discuss your learning aspirations and guide you towards reaching them.
Rated good by Ofsted
We are proud to be rated good by Ofsted from our recent inspection in December 2023.
To view the report, visit our website.
How to enrol Contents
Once you have chosen your course/s, you can either enrol on our website, by phone or in one of our centres.
1. Online
Visit www.aclessex.com and create an account. You can then either search for the course title using the search box or browse our website.
Once the course has been selected, you will be asked to fill out an enrolment form (non-qualification) or asked to enrol onto an assessment session (qualification).
2. Phone
Call 0345 603 7635 and you will be put through to a member of our customer service team. Before calling, please make a note of the course title or course code.
About us
ACL Essex is the largest provider of adult education in the county and the main apprenticeship provider for Essex County Council. We’re at the heart of our communities across Essex making a difference to residents and businesses, so everyone has the chance to make a difference for themselves, those around them, and the places that they live in.
Stay connected
Keep up to date with the latest information, news and events:
lifelong.learning@essex.gov.uk
aclessex.com/contact-us
ACLEssex @ACLEssex
Sign up to our newsletter -
www.aclessex.com/newsletter
aclcreates | aclhairbeauty | acl-essex
acl-essex
Our phone lines are open Monday to Friday, from 8:30am to 5pm, unless otherwise stated.
3. In Centre
Visit one of our 8 centres and speak to a member of our Customer Service team at reception to enrol on a course or find out more information. See page 4 for centre information or visit our website for opening times aclessex.com/centres.
If you have any enquiries, you can contact us through our website or by email: aclessex.com/contact-us lifelong.learning@essex.gov.uk
Our Centres
Our centres are located across Essex with a range of facilities and services on site. Our Customer Services team will be there to welcome you and help answer any questions you have.
ACL Basildon
Broadmayne, Churchill Avenue, Basildon, SS14 3SG Free parking
ACL Brentwood
Bishops Hill, Rayleigh Road, Brentwood, CM13 1BD
ACL Clacton
St. Osyth Road, Clacton on Sea, CO15 3BN
Pay and display parking Café
ACL Maldon
Carmelite House, White Horse Lane, Maldon, CM9 5FW
and
ACL Colchester
Wilson Marriage, Barrack Street, Colchester, CO1 2LR Childcare facilities available
ACL Witham
Spinks Lane, Witham, CM8 1EP
Free parking
Hair salon (New Rickstones)
For premises and reception opening times updates, announcements, term times and events please visit aclessex.com/centres. You can also sign up to our newsletter, or follow us on our social channels.
Our On-Site Services
Our centres offer additional on-site services for the benefit of our learners and residents.
ACL Chelmsford
Beeches Close, Chelmsford, CM1 2SB Free parking Childcare facilities available
salon
ACL Harlow
The Library and Adult Community Learning Centre, The High, Harlow, CM20 1HA
Pay and display parking
Nurseries and Preschools
Our Ofsted registered preschools and nurseries care for children aged 3 months to 5 years old. Childcare services are available to both the local community and ACL learners. Financial support could be available to support you during your studies to pay for childcare (see page 8).
To see where our childcare facilities are located, please see Our Centres (page 4).
aclessex.com/preschools
Cafés
We also deliver from various community venues across Essex.
Room Hire
Our facilities are open for use by partner organisations, local businesses, and groups. If you’re interested in reserving a room, visit our website aclessex.com/centres
A place for our learners to relax and unwind, our cafes are open throughout the week in centres across Essex. Our cafés are run by our on-site staff and Supported Learning learners who are completing their employability training. Grab a cuppa and connect with fellow learners whilst you study with us.
Cafes in:
• Colchester
• Clacton
• Harlow
Hair & Beauty Salons
You can access a fantastic range of services carried out by ACL learners under the supervision of their tutors.
Locations:
Beauty Salons:
• Basildon
• Chelmsford
• Clacton
• Colchester
• Maldon
Hair Salons:
• Brentwood
• Colchester
• Witham
To view opening times and book a treatment, please visit:
aclessex.com/beauty-salons aclessex.com/hair-salons
Keep up to date with all the latest news at the ACL Hair & Beauty Salons Instagram page:
@aclhairbeauty
Digital Hub
A wide range of apprenticeships, courses and training programmes available in our new Colchester Digital Hub. These courses could be fully funded. Visit our website or contact us to learn more and apply. aclessex.com/digital-hub
Ways of Learning with ACL
We pride ourselves on finding the very best ways for people to learn, to fit with their personal preferences and treat everyone as an individual. The types of learning opportunities have grown over recent years, giving greater access and flexibility alongside the changes to work and life within the modern world. Here is a brief explanation to the ways that ACL delivers learning:
Traditional Classroom
Whether at an ACL centre or in an outreach venue our traditional classroom approach remains the core of our teaching and learning. Within these settings we deliver to small groups of adults the subjects selected to study using an individualised personal approach. ACL believes and supports the huge benefits of collaborative learning and encourages our learners to share and explore their learning with others. This enriches the learning experience through making connections which has many benefits.
Live Online Learning
These courses are delivered using a webbased platform (Microsoft Teams) where we have created a virtual classroom that retains the core features and high-quality experience of a physical classroom. The features we use include video cameras so that learners can see their tutor and each other, microphones to talk
with each other as well as a text chat function, break out rooms for small group discussions or tutorials, class notebooks for jotting down ideas, presentations provided in real time with discussions in the moment with the tutor and fellow learners. All of this from the comfort of your own preferred location.
Self-led Online Learning
Our self-led courses apply a blended approach to learning. Our programmes are flexible and enable learners to experience a range of learning and support opportunities in a variety of formats such as in the workplace by observation, online or at a local ACL centre. Dependant on the course, the learner may have a dedicated tutor who they will meet (online or face to face) once a month or online resources and tutor support where required. Additionally, there may be additional workshops included in the course. This will support the learner to be able to expand on their new knowledge and develop new skills.
Hybrid Learning
Guide to Level Progression
Entry
Preliminary form of qualification, offering learners a basic introduction to the subject area.
Level
1
Initial stage of formal qualification for individuals eager gain a basic understand of the subject area.
Level
2
Intermediate level designed for new entrants into a subject area or sector.
Level
3
ACL has invested in a suite of state of the art hybrid technology classrooms across our centres. These provides the opportunity for learners to either join the course in the physical classroom or remotely live online. Combining all the features of our traditional classroom and live online learning by sharing the learning experience with those in the classroom and those who are accessing from their own location.
Advanced level which assumes prior achievement at level 2 or previous study/work in relevant subject area.
Levels 4&5
Higher level programmes designed for those already working in the sector and looking to develop their skills up to degree level
Paying for your course Career and Skills Progression Advice and Guidance
ACL receives funding from the Education and Skills Funding Agency to deliver courses to Essex residents.
This funding could cover some or all the costs of your course depending on your circumstances or prior achievements. A few examples are below. Please come and talk to us so we can see what you may be entitled to. You can get free Maths and English courses, including GCSEs, if you don’t already have a C/4 grade or equivalent.
• Essential Digital Skills programs are free if you have basic IT skills below level 1.
• If you’re unemployed or earn a gross annual income of £25,000 or less, you could be eligible to complete a level 2 accredited course without charge.
• The Level 3 Entitlement means that adults without a full level 3 qualification, eg. A Levels or an Advanced Diploma, or those earning a gross annual income of £25,000 or less, could undertake an accredited course that’s fully funded from the Free Courses for Jobs Offer.
• Advanced Learner Loans are available for courses at levels 3 to 6. You only pay them back once you start earning £25,000 a year (before tax and other deductions).
• You could get help with travel costs, childcare, and course materials, including books, laptop loans, and WiFi, while you study. This help is available if you have a gross household income of less than £35,000 per annum (not including house shares, or where rent is paid separately), or a personal gross income of less than £25,000 per annum.
• If you receive certain benefits or earn a gross salary of less than £25,000, you could receive a 50% discount on non-accredited courses.
• We also have a dedicated team that provide financial advice and guidance to learners during their course should they need it.
ACL offers a free and friendly personalised information and advice service for our learners and apprentices. We tailor impartial information, skills, and careers advice to meet individual needs.
Our ACL Career and Skills Progression Team is here to help you succeed. They provide personalised support to help you explore your future work, education, and training options. Whether you’re aiming for further education and training, volunteering, or employment, we’re here to help you achieve your goals.
Our advisors work closely with you to ensure you get the information, advice, and support you need. They play a key role in understanding each person’s unique
needs and aspirations, and they help map out tailored pathways that lead to meaningful and fulfilling outcomes. They’re a vital part of ACL’s commitment to creating a supportive and inspiring environment where every learner can thrive and reach their full potential.
Sustainability
Our Goals are to respond to the skills needs of the new green career pathways, encourage a greener future and work in collaboration with other organisations towards Net Zero.
Together with providing a range of courses, we have embedded sustainability in our course content to raise awareness of environmental issues. ACL’s key green initiatives:
• Reduce travel by continuing to develop an online learning offer
• Offer Retrofit courses that includes funded options
• Develop a roadmap to sustainability, including being part of Race to Net Zero, the largest ever coalition of education providers
• Embed sustainability in our courses
• Continue to develop hybrid classrooms in key ACL learning spaces
Essential Skills
Improving your maths, English, Science or Digital skills can bring huge rewards.
Not only could you achieve a nationally recognised qualification, you’ll also open up doors to employment and further educational opportunities. You’ll feel more confident in your everyday activities too, whether helping the kids with their homework, budgeting your finances or using online banking.
aclessex.com/sustainability
The ACL Essex Achievement Awards is a yearly occasion dedicated to recognising the remarkable achievements of our learners, partner organisations, and staff.
I’m more adaptable to learning now, than I have ever been. It’s given my life something a lot more than I expected and I’m really grateful for it. So, this is your time. Go for it!
Cornelius Keating, 2024 ACL Awards recipient
Visit our website to see our recent award winners, hear their stories and find out more information. aclessex.com/acl-awards
Courses are suitable for all ability levels including GCSEs. At your assessment our team will agree the best starting point for you and support you to progress through the different levels. Most maths and English courses are fully funded so you won’t need to pay.
Please see back cover for more information on how to enrol.
Course areas
• Digital Skills
• English
• ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)
• Maths
• Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology
Funding support could be available aclessex.com/essential-skills
I missed out on years of maths classes. I’ve always struggled with maths and my tutor at ACL Clacton is amazing and I was able to pass my level 1 maths, which for me personally is a massive achievement.
ClaireMaths Learner
Digital Skills
Learning new digital skills has many benefits and can support you in both your personal life and work life.
• Essential Digital Skills
• GCSE Computer Science
• Microsoft Office
• Short courses including staying safe online and CV support
English
English plays a vital part in our daily lives. Whether applying for a job, helping your children with their homework or just reading a newspaper or online article.
• English Functional Skills
• GCSE English
• Supported Learning English (All Levels)
English for Speakers of Other Languages
These courses will help you to settle in the UK, gain employment, progress onto other training courses or just be more confident in communicating with other people.
Communication Skills
Develop your communication skills whilst connecting with people in the community. Our courses can also support those with hearing loss and assist you in supporting others with communication difficulties. You will receive expert support and guidance from our tutors throughout your course as you develop your language and communication skills. You will also get the chance to meet people who share your ambitions.
• ESOL Beginner to Advanced
• ESOL For Families Speaking/ Listening
• ESOL Digital Skills
• ESOL Maths
Maths
Maths plays a vital part in our daily lives. Whether creating a budget for the month, measuring for a DIY project or following a recipe, improving your maths skills can help.
• Maths Functional Skills
• GCSE Maths Foundation to Advanced
• Supported Learning Maths (All Levels)
Science
Science is an interesting and exciting subject that can teach you more about the world we live in.
• Applied Science Award/Diploma Level 2
• GCSE Chemistry
• GCSE Biology
• GCSE Physics
• GCSE Psychology
Course areas
• British Sign Language (BSL)
• Lip Reading
• Deaf Awareness & Hearing Loss
• Makaton aclessex.com/ communication-skills
Qualifications & Skills for Employment
Looking for a career change, new job, or just want to improve your skills for employment…
Whatever your goals, you’ll discover a great range of accredited courses at ACL Essex.
From turning a passion into a career or business, to gaining a qualification to land that dream job or enter higher education, we can help!
Important information! Please ensure that you contact us as soon as possible as you will be required to complete an assessment before you can enrol. See back cover for more details.
Funding may be available to help with course fees, books, travel, equipment (incl. laptop & Wi-Fi), and childcare.
Course areas
• Accounting
• Beauty & Complementary Therapies
• Business & Management
• Computing
• Counselling
• Creative
• Customer Service
• Early Years
aclessex.com/qualifications-skills-for-employment
Funding support could be available
• Education
• Employability Skills
• Facilities & Warehousing
• GCSEs
• Hairdressing & Barbering
• Health & Social Care
• Mental Health & Wellbeing
• Project Management
• Retrofit
My success in my role is a direct result of my AAT level 2 and 3 qualifications which I attained through ACL. I am indebted to ACL for helping me gain selfconfidence, social skills and get into a career that I absolutely love.
Jack –
Accounting Learner
Apprenticeships
There is no upper age limit on apprenticeships, so they are suitable for everyone.
We deliver Intermediate, Advanced and Higher Apprenticeships across the county. For more information on our programmes check out our website or email acl.apprenticeships@essex.gov.uk
You can also call us on 03330 139502
I was successful in securing a secondment role as a Senior Business Support Administrator where I am responsible for managing 11 members of staff – something I would have never thought possible before starting my apprenticeship!
Rubie – Business Admin Apprentice
Apprenticeships available include:
Business School Accounting, Business Administration, Coaching & Mentoring, Customer Service, Operations Management, Project Management, Schools Business Professional, Team Leading
Health, Medical & Care
Adult Care, Healthcare Cleaning Operative, Healthcare Science Assistant, Healthcare Support Worker
Early Years & Education
Children, Young People & Families Manager, Early Years Educator, Early Years Practitioner, Teaching Assistant
The Poppins Bursary offers development opportunities and training for those currently working or looking to enter the early years sector. It supports training initiatives for early years settings, with the goal of enhancing the range and quality of services offered in our communities.
Multiply is a fully funded programme to help support you to become more confident with numeracy.
Parent Ambassadors Volunteers are a valued part of ACL Essex supporting parental engagement for schools and communities, whilst developing your skills to support others.
The Nightingale Care Bursary enables everyone to access Health & Social Care courses and qualifications for FREE. So, whether you’re looking to start a new and fulfilling career in care or want to upskill – we can support you!
Parent Ambassador Volunteers are a valued part of ACL Essex supporting parental engagement for schools and communities, whilst developing skills to support others.
I.T. & Digital
Cyber Security Technician, Multi Channel Marketer, I.T. Solutions Technician
Facilities & Warehousing
Facilities Services Operative, Supply Chain Warehouse Operative, Facilities Management Supervisor, Transport and Warehouse Operations Supervisor
Digital Marketing, Project
Management (Construction),
and Early Years
Skills Bootcamps are free, flexible 12-week courses that provide you with the opportunity to build valuable sector specific skills. What’s more, you’ll be offered a job interview with an employer once you complete the course and gain your qualification.
Creative Learning
Want to learn a new skill, simply fine-tune your talents, or enhance your career prospects in the creative industry? We offer the opportunity to develop your skills with others in a range of intriguing subject areas.
You will receive expert support and guidance from our tutors throughout your course. You will also get the chance to meet people who share your ambitions and the opportunity to showcase your work in a public gallery. Visit our website to see feedback from our current learners and view collections of their fantastic work in our galleries.
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Gain valuable tools to navigate your daily life and support others.
I would advise anyone who has an interest in a subject not to hesitate but to enrol. I encouraged two friends, and they thank me for pushing them to enrol and have not looked back, both producing good work after initially having some doubts. It opens up new opportunities, you meet new people, you share things, you share your anxieties, and it boosts your confidence.
Jennifer – Art Painting and Drawing Learner
Course areas
• Art
• Creative Media
• Creative Writing
• Floristry
Our courses help you to understand how to manage anxiety, learn techniques on mindful thinking, and guide you on your journey of personal development. Our expert tutors will be there with you every step of the way for guidance and support.
Mental Health and Recovery Programme courses are co-delivered by experienced and professional tutors who will help you explore what feeling well looks like and the techniques and tools to help you live your best life. These courses are free to Essex residents.
We also provide courses that support you with positive thinking as you embark on your dream career or strive to advance in your current job. Our courses span various life coaching topics, equipping you with practical tools to secure that position while enhancing your ability to build relationships, gain deeper self-awareness, explore new life paths, and boost your personal well-being and motivation.
Course areas
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Mental Health Recovery (FREE)
• Improving Health & Wellbeing
• Employability support (FREE)
• Counselling
I am slowly but surely changing my lifestyle and making my house into a home. In particular, I have personally benefitted with the use of language that both tutors have given me to be more self-confident. I am so very happy to be part of ACL as there is something for everyone.
Brenda – Wellbeing Learner
Community & Family Learning
If you are a parent, grandparent or caring for a child or young person living in Essex we have support for you.
Some courses are delivered live in an online classroom at the time stated, others are available to take at your pace whenever it suits your family.
We work in partnership with schools, early years teams, community organisations and partners that support families. We aim to give adults the tools and confidence to inspire and motivate the children they care for and help build a productive community ethos.
If you’re interested in enrolling on a course, please visit aclessex.com/community-family-learning, contact lifelong.learning@essex.gov.uk or call 03330 600 361
Supported Learning
Course areas
• Parenting
• SEND Support
• Emotional and Family Wellbeing
• Parent Ambassadors Programme
• Specialist Workshops through the year
These courses have been very useful for me and my family. They have been part of my recovery journey for the past 5 years now and I don’t think I’d have come this far without them...
aclessex.com/communityfamily-learning
Our Supported Learning courses have been created specifically for those with learning difficulties and disabilities.
We have centres located countywide:
• Basildon
• Brentwood
• Chelmsford
• Clacton
• Colchester
• Harlow
• Maldon
• Witham
• Outreach Centres
- Braintree
- Hanningfield
- Saffron Walden
Hi, I’m Mia! I help out in a few different classes. Being a helper has helped me gain some skills and I love helping out. I’ve also taken lots of supported learning courses including, maths and English, the supported employment programme and health and social care. I love everything about ACL.
Mia – Supported Learner and Volunteer
If you’re interested in enrolling on a course, please contact lifelong.learning@essex.gov.uk or call 0345 603 7635.
Community Inclusion and Creative
Arts, textiles, soap making, music and sensory, geography, pottery, printmaking, textiles and more..
Employment
Business skills, Horticulture, Customer Service, Construction, Creative, Retail, and more..
Health
Dance, Exercise, Drama, Mental Wellbeing, Physical Health, Personal Growth, Relationships, and more..
Independent Living
Digital skills, Understanding money, Wellbeing, Home Life and more…
• Café • Car Valeting
• Construction
Family Learning Learner