ACL’s latest statement on Covid-19 – Taking the next steps together safely
In line with the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown, as of 19th July restrictions have now been eased. Although the…
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New course guide now available!
You can browse the course guide or visit our website to see the huge range of online and face to face learning opportunities starting in September!
Latest Apprenticeship Vacancies
Our range of apprenticeship are perfect for individuals looking to improve their career prospects.
ACL Summer Discover Magazine
We’re delighted to launch of Summer Discover Magazine, available free online and to pick up from supermarkets, our centres and libraries across Essex – while stocks last!
National Skills Level 3 Adult Offer
Are you over 24? Get a Level 3 qualification fully funded through the National Skills Level 3 Adult Offer.
Latest News
ACL Short Story competition 2021: Author’s Choice
We asked you to submit a short story, no more than 500 words, to win some fabulous prizes in our…
ACL Discover Summer Magazine
We’re delighted to share with you our new Course Guide for September 2021. It finally feels like Summer has arrived…
New Course Guide for September 2021
We’re delighted to share with you our new Course Guide for September 2021. Browse our full range of courses and…
Green Space Happy Place Photography Competition
To promote the positive impacts that being outside has on our mental health and wellbeing, we are launching the Your…
ACL Short Story competition 2021: ‘Awakening’
We asked you to submit a short story, no more than 500 words, to win some fabulous prizes in our…
Improve your wellbeing with Arts & Crafts
Research shows that participating in creative arts and craft activities can improve your mental health and wellbeing, reduce stress and…
ACL Awards 2021 – Nominate now!
The ACL Essex Achievement Awards is an annual event to celebrate the fantastic accomplishments of our learners, partner organisations, and…
Making education more accessible in a digital world
Expanding the use of new technology is crucial to the way in which we are improving lives through learning. However,…
Supported Learners help create new Care Home
There has been a strong focus on co-production and there has been great working relationships made with ACL colleagues and…
Tutor of the Year Awards 2021 – Access to Higher Education
The education sector has been particularly challenged as we adapt to the ways of living, working, and learning during the…
Make a coaster!
Textiles tutor Debra has shared this quick and easy coaster tutorial so you can make a coaster with materials you…
Food Waste Photography
Article by Rachel, Level 2 Creative Photography Qualification learner I have been passionate about eco concerns for a few years…
Apprentice wins Local Government Apprentice Award
Apprentices make a vital contribution to local government, undertaking a vast array of roles. On the day we saw the…
Online Fashion and Textiles Course is great hit with learners
Online Fashion and Textiles Course is great hit with learners by Debra, tutor The online Fashion/Textiles Award Creative Craft Level…
Essential Digital Skills Interview
Article written by Emma, Curriculum Lead for Digital & Science I wanted to feel more confident in using the computer.…
Park Art Competition
I have always doubted my ability but noticed that you had used my picture of Florence Nightingale in your last…
My Creative Experience
Over the past year, many of our classes moved online. In the comfort of their own homes, our creative learners…
ACL teams recognised in awards
Festival of Learning is the biggest celebration of lifelong learning in England. These awards highlight the benefits of learning, celebrate achievements…
International Nurses’ Day
Today we celebrate International Nurses’ Day. We continue to be grateful for the incredible people who work in healthcare and…
“I would 100% recommend doing an apprenticeship to anyone…”
I would 100% recommend doing an apprenticeship to anyone. There are so many different courses out there to choose from and all of them give learners so many different opportunities to excel in a work place. With these opportunities and skills, joined with the knowledge of your chosen course, you are assured to be an ideal candidate for any job!
Holly from Burnham-on-Crouch
“ACL provided me with the opportunity to work around my family life…”
Hi, I’m Monika, 49. I’m originally from India and moved here 14 years ago. Whilst my kids were growing up I volunteered in schools. In order to progress to other roles I knew I needed to get GCSEs in English and maths. I have today achieved a grade 9 in my English exam which I am over the moon about. ACL provided me with the opportunity to work around my family life and I have never had such a good tutor in all my life – amazing! I had no idea that I would get the highest possible grade, I am an introvert by nature so this is just such a shock for me. I would advise anyone who is thinking about learning with ACL to do it today! I am now all ready to start my GCSE maths course this year.
Monika from Colchester
“I would advise anyone that needs a GCSE to think about ACL…”
I’m Nick, 54 and am about to start a teacher training course at Moulsham High School teaching Computer Science. I was all set to follow my dream of becoming a teacher but realised that I was lacking a GCSE pass in English. I heard about ACL and was able to enrol on the course easily. Angela, our teacher was amazing and really effective and as a result I have today received a grade 7 – hurray! I would advise anyone that needs a GCSE to think about ACL, very professional and we all worked as a team in class.
Nick from Colchester
“The skills I have learnt throughout my time on the apprenticeship with ACL has prepared me to be able to progress within my organisation…”
I started with Essex County Council in February 2019 as a Business Support Assistant in the file and data team, where I quickly settled into the team and managed to learn all the tasks very quickly. In May 2019, I spoke with my line manager about the possibility of enrolling on the ‘Business Administrator – L3’ apprenticeship. My line manager fully supported this and contacted ACL to get me enrolled. The skills I have learnt throughout my time on the apprenticeship with ACL has prepared me to be able to progress within my organisation and feel confident in doing so. I am on course to finish my Business Administrator – L3 qualification this year and I am hoping to do this with the best possible mark.
Wade from Basildon
Creative & Cultural Learning
Ever wanted to learn how to cook, draw, sculpt, speak a new language, or try something new?
Qualifications and Skills for Employment
Do you want to improve your CV, gain skills to progress in your current role, or looking for a new career?
English, Maths, Science & Digital
Whatever your reason to improve your English, Maths, Science or Digital skills, ACL can help! Our courses could be free* and support you to gain the qualifications you need…
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Learn about looking after your mental health and wellbeing, in addition to supporting your family and friends.
Family Learning
These courses offer you the opportunity to learn together to build strong relationships, develop new skills and raise aspirations for all the family.
Apprenticeships
Hundreds of courses across the county, there’s something for every learner and business.
Supported Learning
Our Supported Learning courses have been created specifically for adults with learning difficulties and disabilities wishing to develop social and personal skills, and those wishing to gain qualifications and employment.