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College helps unemployed learn new skills
Monday, 6 July, 2015

Solihull College has once again been working alongside Job Centre Plus to offer courses to those who are currently employed and seeking to learn new skills in the hope of finding employment. For the past 12 years the College has been working with individuals who are currently unemployed offering a variation of nationally recognised short courses which result in improved job prospects.

Solihull College has recently been working with a group of students on a 6 week long Painting and Decorating course since June and they are set to complete their City and Guilds Level 1 qualification at the end of this month. The course involves 3 units where the students learn the basic skills involved in painting and decorating and the students have engaged well and attendance to the course has been excellent.

Sean Treacy, painting and decorating tutor at Solihull College has been working with the students on the course and commented “The group are hardworking and enthusiastic and are working really well on the course. They have all come to Solihull College to achieve and once they have completed their level 1 course they can progress onto level 2 and onto employment.”

On completion of the courses at Solihull College there are opportunities for individuals to progress onto higher level qualifications and increase employability skills further. The courses run by Solihull College not only aim to increase opportunities for employment but also aim for their students to develop as individuals. Paul Harris who is currently studying painting and decorating said “It is a good opportunity for me to get back into action as I have been unemployed due to long term sickness. I have developed my skills to now make me employable. Attending the College has also given me structure and routine to prepare me for employment.”

Nigel Langford who is also currently completing the painting and decorating Level 1 course at Solihull College spoke of his experience so far “I wanted to do the course as I wanted to improve my skills and find out more about the trade of painting and decorating. The course at the College is really good and the tutors are great. The course has given me a good insight into what skills are needed for this to become my career. I would recommend the course and Solihull College.”

The short courses at Solihull College are free to those who are currently unemployed, over 18 years of age and seeking Job Seekers Allowance. As well as courses in construction there are other courses on offer such as accounting, IT communications and retail. For more information on the courses available please call 0121 678 7000.