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Funding Support

Did you know if your household income is less than £30k per annum you could receive support to help with associated learning costs e.g. books, travel, childcare, laptop and wifi?

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New 2022/23 courses

Enrol now on a huge selection of courses including, summer tasters, learn at your leisure workshops, essential skills and qualifications.

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Ukrainian Families & Sponsors Event

An event to support Ukrainian families and sponsors in Mersea & surrounding areas. Find support with employment, training, and take part in activities and demonstrations for all the family.

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Parent Ambassador Programme

ACL’s Parent Ambassador programme aims to improve the lives of families living in Essex. Become a Parent Ambassador and make a difference to families in your school community.

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Digital Champions

Digital Champions improve lives across the county through empowering people to learn basic digital skills and access the online world, benefiting from digital technology.

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Free Flexible Learning Courses

Start your flexible learning course today! You will gain a nationally recognised qualification.

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Latest News

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Browse all Apprenticeship news
Highly Commended Apprentice of the Year Award

“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

Monika by an ACL poster

“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

Nick stands beside an ACL poster

“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

Learner Wade

“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

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Creative & Cultural Learning

Ever wanted to learn how to cook, draw, sculpt, speak a new language, or try something new?

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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?

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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…

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Mental Health & Wellbeing

Learn about looking after your mental health and wellbeing, in addition to supporting your family and friends.

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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.

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Apprenticeships

Hundreds of courses across the county, there’s something for every learner and business.

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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.

About Us

ACL offers a wide range of day time and evening adult learning courses to help you improve your job prospects, learn a new skill or simply inspire you.

Support

Click on the links below to see what types of support ACL can offer you.

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On-site Services

We have a range of on-site services including beauty room, hair salons and nurseries & preschools