Stockport Continuing Education Service aim to inspire the people of Stockport with our high quality courses. Some courses are designed to help you get a job or get on at work, while others offer more informal learning for personal development, health and well-being.

We hope your course will help you to achieve your personal goals and interests. We pride ourselves on our very personal and supportive approach and on being very focused on helping learners progress and achieve success.


Courses Available from Stockport Continuing Education Service

English Courses

Our comprehensive English courses are designed to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to succeed in your personal and professional life. Whether you are aiming to improve your career prospects, pursue higher education, or enhance your everyday life, our courses are tailored to meet your specific needs. We have morning, afternoon and evening sessions available.

  • MON- FRI 9:30 – 12:00
  • MON- FRI 12:30 -15:00 
  • TUE: 18:00 -21:00 

You will be asked to attend an information, advice and guidance session to find the right level for you.

Progression: GCSE English & Maths, further and higher learning, or progress in your chosen career.

Free to those who meet eligibility criteria. Must be 19+ on or before 31/08/2023

Math Courses

Our comprehensive Maths courses are designed to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to succeed in your personal and professional life. Whether you are aiming to improve your career prospects, pursue higher education, or enhance your everyday life, our courses are tailored to meet your specific needs. We have morning, afternoon and evening sessions available.

  • MON- FRI 9:30 – 12:00
  • MON- FRI 12:30 -15:00 
  • TUE: 18:00 -21:00 

You will be asked to attend an information, advice and guidance session to find the right level for you.

Progression: GCSE English & Maths, further and higher learning, or progress in your chosen career.

Free to those who meet eligibility criteria. Must be 19+ on or before 31/08/2023

ESOL

Are you looking to improve your English Language Skills? Our ESOL Speaking & Listening qualifications support speakers of other languages to develop their English language skills for work, further learning and everyday life. Our interactive and practical courses will unlock your potential within a supportive and inclusive learning environment, from grammar and vocabulary to speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. We have sessions available morning, afternoon and evening:

  • MON- FRI 9:30 – 12:00
  • MON- FRI 12:30 -15:00
  • TUE: 18:00 -21:00 

You will be asked to attend an information, advice and guidance session to find the right course and level.

Progression: English or maths Functional Skills, digital and vocational courses or progress further in your chosen career.

Free to those who meet eligibility criteria. Must be 19+ on or before 31/08/2023 

Community Interpreting

This course is suitable for candidates who would like to learn about the role of a Community Interpreter and explore the public and voluntary sectors and how they support community needs. The role of the interpreter is fully explored and discussed, therefore beneficial for those who wish to enter the profession. It is suitable for candidates who have experience in interpreting for friends and relatives or other members of the community and are interested in developing their skills and knowledge in order to find paid employment.

  • FRI 9:30 – 12:30 -15:00 

You will be asked to attend an information, advice and guidance session to find the right level for you.  A minimum in Level 2 in English and ICT is recommended. Candidates need to complete an initial assessment task to determine their suitability.

Free to those who meet eligibility criteria. Must be 19+ on or before 31/08/2023

Children and Young People Development

Interested in developing a career in caring for children or working in schools? Gain your NCFE CACHE Level 1 Award in Caring for Children. This course is the perfect starting place and will help you explore options and prepare you for further learning, including the Level 2 Supporting Teaching & Learning qualification to become a Teaching Assistant. This qualification is suitable for learners where English is an additional language.

Placement requirements: Learners do not need to work or undertake practical placements to take these qualifications. The Service can support you with finding a placement and carrying out a DBS.

Progression opportunities: Learners can progress onto the Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning.

Free to those who meet eligibility criteria. Must be 19+ on or before 31/08/2023 

Counselling

The SEG Awards Level 3 Counselling qualifications (Certificate and Diploma) are designed to provide you with a useful vocational progression route into further study and are not a license to practice, but for those seeking to become a qualified professional counsellor or for individuals who wish to acquire counselling skills for use in other work areas, e.g. nurses, social workers, teachers.

This course develops interpersonal and counselling skills, promotes personal growth, and provides essential industry knowledge to help you make informed career decisions. This course is delivered one day a week over 30 weeks, covering four modules. It is a combination of classroom and online learning, and you will need to manage some aspects of your learning.

You do not need a formal qualification for entry into the Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills. However, it would be advisable for you to have some prior knowledge of counselling skills and knowledge. The course involves experiential learning and self-awareness exercises and can be demanding of the self in interaction with others.

​A learner loan can fund this course. You can fund it yourself, and we may be able to agree on a payment plan with you.

​A minimum in Level 2 in English and ICT is recommended. Candidates need to complete an initial assessment task to determine their suitability.

Free to those who meet eligibility criteria. Must be 19+ on or before 31/08/2023

Teaching Assistants Course

Our high quality Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed when working directly with children and young people. You will need a placement in a school or college. On successful completion you may enter the workforce and/or progress onto the Level 3 Certificate.

Progression: further learning onto the Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching & Learning, access course and/or into the workplace as a teaching assistant.

You will be asked to attend an information session to discuss course expectations and placement requirements. Free to those who meet eligibility criteria. Must be 19+ on or before 31/08/2023

Duration: 9:30-15:00, 1 day a week for 26 weeks

When: TBA

Venue: Daw Bank, Stockport SK3 0EQ

Volunteering to Support English Language Teaching & Learning

The course is suitable for anyone interested in supporting ESOL learners, including those who have been through the ESOL system and want to give back. No formal teaching background is required as this course will enable you to:

  • Support English language teaching and learning
  • Recognise and address some of the challenges and issues that English language students encounter
  • Support students within their social setting

You will be asked to attend an information session to check this is the right course and level for you.

Free to those who meet eligibility criteria

Must be 19+ on or before 31/08/2023

Duration: 9:30-15:00, 1 day a week for 16 weeks

When: 22nd February 2024

Venue: Daw Bank, Stockport SK3 0EQ

Community Courses 

We have sessions available morning, afternoon and evening:

  • Paediatric First Aid
  • Adult First Aid
  • Money Matters
  • Sustainability and Carbon Workshops
  • Conversational English practice
  • Healthy Eating
  • Food Hygiene
  • Creative courses and learner-led art groups
  • English for Family Life in the UK

Free to those who meet eligibility criteria. Must be 19+ on or before 31/08/2023. For course details, please get in touch with us at 0161 474 5801 or email us at AdminSOLC@stockport.gov.uk You will be asked to attend an information, advice and guidance session to find the right level for you. 


Start your training with Stockport Continuing Education Service today

Contact the Stockport Continuing Education Team to find out more about admissions and enrolment.

Daw Bank, Stockport, SK3 0EQ
T: 0161 474 5801/2
or e-mail AdminSOLC@stockport.gov.uk