We are pleased to announce the launch of the 2021 ACL 500 Word Story Competition. This year the theme is ‘Awakening‘. We’re looking for our community to pen a story that quickly grabs our attention and tells a great tale. You can submit an entry as an individual or as a team effort – we…
DetailsLeon joined the ACL Commercial team as a Business Administration Apprentice and has been supporting the Business Development team to engage with businesses, learners, and organisations to promote ACL opportunities. Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship? I decided to start an apprenticeship because I didn’t feel ready for a full time business role.…
DetailsWe shouldn’t need a reason to check on one another’s wellbeing, but Time to Talk Day is a great reminder of how important it is. Mental health problems affect one in four of us in any given year, yet there are still so many that are made to feel that it’s a sign of weakness…
DetailsThrough ACL Apprenticeships, Jane was able to upskill her own staff and create “future leaders”. The Apprenticeship programme has had a positive impact on her business – her staff have grown and developed with her business. Jane’s business My Life Choice provides personalised care and support to people with Autism and Learning Disabilities in Colchester,…
DetailsClaire is a Learning & Organisational Development Officer for Basildon Council, who have been recruiting and upskilling their employees with ACL for the past 8 years. We asked her some questions about why she would recommend the ACL Apprenticeships programme to other local authorities and businesses. Why did you choose an apprenticeship for your organisation…
DetailsAfter being promoted to Curriculum Manager, Floristry tutor Robyn decided to enrol on a Level 5 Management Apprenticeship so that she could work and study at the same time. One of her main aims for enrolling on an apprenticeship was to gain confidence and develop her skills to complement her current role. The experiences and…
DetailsMichelle is the Director of Ellacott Morris Ltd, an Accountancy firm who have used ACL Apprenticeships to upskill four of their staff. We asked Michelle some questions about why she would recommend ACL Apprenticeships and how it has impacted her business. Why did you choose an apprenticeship for your business? Our team have been trained…
DetailsWe would like to invite you to take part in our virtual Afternoon Tea! This online session will be held on Teams on Fridays, every fortnight, at 2:00-3:00 and is available to all ACL learners. Our afternoon tea is a place to socialise, meet other learners, ask some questions, and find some information about wellbeing…
DetailsBeing a parent who may be trying to manage remote working, keeping up to date with your own schedule whilst home schooling is something a lot of us have had to adapt to. There are resources and support available that allow us to thrive while in this situation. Although many of us can spend more…
DetailsShould a learner need to self-isolate or local restrictions require them to stay at home and a course is not already being delivered by online learning, ACL Essex will continue to respond rapidly and provide the following: Adult learners including 16-19 learners – a move to online delivery using ACL platforms. Where a learner is…
DetailsThe You Can programme is for adults aged 16+ living in Tendring who would like to have an insight into working in the Health & Care sectors. The programme comprises of 6 virtual sessions delivered over three weeks by Adult Community Learning (ACL) and is being offered free of charge. This programme is the first…
DetailsExpectantly, I throw open the curtains… SNOW! Gleefully, we make snow angels. Excitedly, I throw snowballs at my brothers. Speedily, I fly down the hill on my sledge. Cheerfully, I build my snowman. Quickly, I whizz around the lake on my skates. Madly, I wear shorts! Blissfully, I suck on an icicle. Sneakily, I start…
Details“How inspiring it is for the younger generation to want to do something to for the older generation, multi-generational working is key in these difficult times” Christine Horn, Dementia Team Leader at Age Concern ACL Supported Learning learners have been working hard to support the elderly community in Colchester who are supported by Age Concern…
DetailsBob Read is the Education and Training Foundation’s (ETF’s) Regional Specialist Lead (RSL) for Maths and English in the eastern region. He works with a range of practitioners who are coping with the daily challenges of teaching maths and English programmes in the context of the current Coronavirus pandemic. For this third in a series…
DetailsThinking about enrolling on an online course? But not sure what it might be like? Here’s a look at five benefits of online learning. 1. It is more interactive than you think Online learning does not have to be isolating, many online courses can offer features that let you, as a learner, engage with other…
DetailsWe understand that during the holiday season it can be hard to find the support you need. With this in mind, we have launched a series of FREE webinars to help you and your family improve your wellbeing, manage your finances and enjoy some creative craft activities. STARTING NEXT WEEK! The following webinars are available:…
DetailsWe are committed to supporting our learners during their studies and throughout their journey with us. With ACL, you don’t just enrol on a course! You gain access to a wide range of resources and support to help you develop your skills in other areas. These opportunities are FREE and can be completed alongside your…
DetailsWhat is safeguarding adults? Why does it matter? Safeguarding adults means protecting a person’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. (The Care Act 2014) ACL has a Safeguarding Adults Policy and a duty to ensure that that we support with the wellbeing of our learners. As part of this we need…
DetailsA craftsman/educator’s life, in one object by Michael Henson, Woodwork Tutor at the Basildon Craft Studios Anyone who has heard any of Neil MacGregor, curator of the British Museums fascinating Radio 4 series, The History of the World in 100 objects, will know that a single object can come to represent a whole epoch of…
DetailsIt’s nearly that magical time of year again, and what better way to celebrate than sharing all your wonderful Christmas themed art, creations and photography. Enter our Christmas Card Competition for a chance for your artwork or photography to be showcased on our website and printed material. You will also win a free arts and…
Details“I have definitely made some lifelong friends on this course, we have all branched off into different degrees and universities but we have all supported each other hugely throughout and continuing into the next stages. ” We caught up with Toni, a former student at ACL, who after successfully completing her GCSE English enrolled onto…
Details“My learning has made a massive difference to my mental and physical health. I have an improved sense of self-esteem. I have a job that I want to get up and go to in the morning and I contribute to my household income. I am more motivated than I have ever been.” Naomi, Award winner…
DetailsWe were were sent a message from Michelle, one of our Supported Learning Community Art tutors who was exploring art and discussing the philosophy of life with her students. It is an inspiring read that shows the positive impact courses have on people’s lives. “On Wednesday in Community Art, we were exploring Tyree Guyton as…
DetailsDid you know ACL can support you to claim a financial reward for every new apprentice you employ? The Government have recently introduced additional payments to support employers who hire new apprentices between 1 August 2020 and 31 January 2021. The Government will make these payments in addition to the £1,000 employers already receive for…
DetailsWe caught up with Emily, a former student at ACL, who is currently studying Psychology at the University of Durham after having recently passed her Social Science Access to Higher Education course at ACL. Emily has hopes to become a Clinical Psychologist after she completes her post-graduate studies. “I have enjoyed studying psychology for a…
Details“I found the course really broad as well which was great – I have gained a lot. It’s been a kind of support mechanism, and encouraged me to move forward with little valuable steps in my resilience. “ Feedback from Mental Health Recovery & Wellbeing Learner, June 2020 The World Health Organisation recognises World Mental Health Day…
DetailsWhether you’re using a smartphone or digital camera, everyone has the ability to take a great photograph. We met up with a couple of our past learners, Ashely Meerloo and Leisl Febbraio, to see where their Photography skills have taken them. Ashley has felt re-invigorated after his course and his passion for capturing life’s moments…
Details“I find traditional counselling very counter-productive. Rehashing bad memories makes it harder to let go and move on. Doing classes is educational, social and fun. I am more proud to call myself a student rather than a patient.” We caught up with a student at ACL, Claire who has completed a number of our online…
DetailsACL Essex is offering a programme to enable individuals to access a Nursing Associate Apprenticeship in the Tendring District. The programme has been approved by the Suffolk & North East Essex (SNEE) NHS Trust to create an alternative pathway into nursing careers. The Apprenticeship can start at any time and will run over 5 years.…
DetailsAt ACL we have made sure we have complied with the Government guidance on managing the risk of COVID-19. Our safety plan includes: We have carried out a COVID-19 Risk Assessment and shared with those who work for ACL. Staff have all completed a COVID-19 Safety course as part of Essex County Council policy as…
DetailsIn September, we welcomed back to centres Supported Learning learners and those who are starting their journey to develop either English, English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Maths or Digital Skills. Over the Summer break, the first learners to return to our centres were those identified by the government as priority learners that have yet…
DetailsWe were amazed by the number of stories we received as part of our Short Story competition. We hope you’ve all had a chance to read these fantastic stories. We are now launching our Illustration Competition! We want you to submit your artwork which has been inspired by one of our 3 winning stories: Hold-Up…
DetailsYes, you read that right – you might not need to dip into your savings to gain qualifications. You can apply for a course today and you could get it for free! Am I eligible? If you’re unemployed on a benefit and looking for work or earning less than £17,004 annual gross salary – your…
DetailsWe’re incredibly proud of everyone collecting their results this year. Even though this has not been the year everyone thought it would be, our students continued to work hard up until when their exam would have taken place, knowing it was for their own benefit. If you are considering enrolling on a GCSE course, more…
DetailsIf you are a learner enrolled on a course with Adult Learning with ACL then you can apply. We are looking for members who reflect the diversity of our learner group. So, whatever your age or experience we’d really like to hear from you. The Learner Forum is the best opportunity for our learners to…
DetailsAre you looking to try something new or take the next step and embark on a creative qualification? Book onto our FREE online Tasters and Try It Out sessions to help you decide what’s right for you. Sessions start in September! Each session will give you the opportunity to explore topics covered in full courses…
DetailsIncentive payments for hiring a new apprentice Apprenticeships are jobs with training, that benefit people of all ages and backgrounds. Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, employers may face challenges with hiring new apprentices. How the government is supporting you:The government has introduced extended the incentive payments for hiring a new apprentice. You can apply…
DetailsSometimes it’s hard to know what steps to take to move on in work and life. It is hard if you have lost your job, have never been in work, need help to find a new direction or support to take the right steps. This is where the National Careers Service can help. The National…
DetailsProgress by Linda Taglialavore ‘Brothers, we’re here today to sort out our plan of action. We are Stours,’ he raged, ‘and we stick together.’ He slammed his empty tankard down on the table with a crash. Some little drops of froth laid upon his beard. Ethan folded his arms across his chest in a defiant…
DetailsLast week, some of our Accounting students had their AAT exam at ACL Brentwood. Tutor Joanne bought some lovely balloons and waited outside to wish all her student good luck. ‘I wanted my students to smile going into an exam for which they were prepared, but really nervous about, not least as they had…
DetailsEthical framework for the counselling professions A skilful introduction to counselling sessions With open arms, you gave us your trust Your care and attention were never unjust From thought to feelings to the way we are perceiving Our bodily actions are impermanent reactions Laid bare on your table for eyes to see Psychoanalysis, CBT, Client-Centred…
DetailsWe are incredibly proud to announce another year of successful results for our Access to Higher Education Learners. Even with the challenges that the cohort faced, the results they have gained are phenomenal. All 17 learners achieved the full Diploma with three achieving the highest award of 45 Distinctions and three not far behind with…
DetailsTheories are the foundations that underpin great management practice. By studying management theory, we understand better the fundamental aspects that affect today’s manager, from human psychology to organisational strategic operations. There are many theories that have been developed and tested over the decades and we will look at some in detail over the next few…
DetailsWhat is it? Resiliency is the mindset that allows people to thrive and bounce back after a setback. Career Resiliency is the mindset that empowers people to pursue their career goals in the face of adversity. When times are tough, it’s tempting to give up. Resiliency is about finding the strength, determination and belief to…
DetailsYes it’s true – a biblical character once decided to visit Colchester (or Camulodunum as it was then known), and he was the Roman Emperor Claudius, who in AD 43 launched a massive assault with four legions on Britain.* This, of course, is just one of our many claims to fame – I mean how…
DetailsHello Everyone, My name is Judith White and I teach printmaking and life drawing at Colchester ACL. I’ve been asked to write a blog about the subjects I teach. Not having written a blog before, I was not sure how to go about it. After pondering for a while I decided that I would merge…
DetailsDo you feel you are at a careers crossroads? Maybe not completely fulfilled by your current job? Do you want to make changes and push forward with your plans as soon as possible? If your answer to these questions is yes, you may want to use the following seven tips to change your career path.…
DetailsLast week, Gateway Qualifications announced the winner of the inaugural Access to Higher Education Tutor of the Year Awards 2020. We are delighted to have received tutor nominations for our centres and so incredibly proud of our tutors for the way they continue to inspire so many people in Essex to reach their learning goals.…
DetailsWritten by Julia Morris, Business & Management Tutor, ACL Essex Management skills are not always something we are born with, but everyone has the ability to learn them. A lot of people find themselves in a management or supervisory position without having had any prior management experience or training. An in-depth knowledge of the…
DetailsYou may have seen that we run a Hair & Beauty Rainbow Competition to show support for our amazing National Health Service. We challenged you to create a hair, beauty or nail art (or a combination of all 3) designs that displays our appreciation of the NHS. It could have been a rainbow hair design…
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