Food Waste Photography
Article by Rachel, Level 2 Creative Photography Qualification learner I have been passionate about eco concerns for a few years…
Read more
Virtual Open Week 14-18 June
Sign up to one of our virtual open events to find out more information about our courses.
Latest Apprenticeship Vacancies
Our range of apprenticeship are perfect for individuals looking to improve their career prospects.
New Creative Craft Qualifications
New online courses!
Receive a qualification and develop a portfolio, whilst expressing your creativity through your love of crafts.
New courses & opportunities
We have a range of new courses starting in September. Many of our online courses are still available, however there are a range of courses that will be back in our centres.
Latest News
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…
Mental Health Awareness Week
“I am going to make myself a care plan, I will continue setting myself achievable goals and know the importance…
Local Business Week
“As local businesses are the backbone of the UK economy, Local Business Week was set up to celebrate and advise…
Book your hair treatment now!
Our ACL Salon’s have reopened for barbering and hair treatments. The Hair Salon provides learners with the opportunity to work…
ACL Hairdressing learner wins Pivot Point Competition
Huge congratulations to Danielle Nolan who won a Pivot Point competition with these gorgeous hair styles. Her entry was amongst…
Creative Craft Entry Award Qualification
New online courses that give you the chance to receive a qualification and develop a portfolio, whilst expressing your creativity…
Looking for a new course, a new job, or to improve your career opportunities?
It can be very difficult to make decisions about which course to take, or career path to follow. How do…
ACL Discover Spring Magazine
We’re delighted to announce the launch of our Discover Magazine, available for free online and to pick up from supermarkets,…
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. From April…
Support to Access Online Census
ACL is an official #Census21 Support Center. We’re offering free and friendly support to anyone who needs it at locations…
Community & Family Learning Newsletter 26th March 2021
View the latest Community & Family learning newsletter for upcoming events, activities and other news. Latest courses to support parents,…
NEW Incentive payments for hiring a new apprentice
Apprenticeships are a great way to grow your workforce and harness talent. They can help you attract and retain the…
Reopening our centres from 8 March
As you will be aware, the government has published the ‘COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021’, setting out the roadmap out…
“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.