Get into work
Free part-time courses to help people to get started on their route to employment.
NESCol have a new exciting suite of fully funded part-time courses for people who live in the Aberdeen City local authority area. The courses aim to help people to get started on their route to employment. Even if you do not know which industry yet, we will give you skills to support any job application.
Courses are funded by the Scottish Government through No One Left Behind, and the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Courses
Our courses are designed to support those who need to build self-confidence and develop employability skills before that next step.
How to book
To register your interest in any of the courses, please contact us at employability@nescol.ac.uk.
Funding
ABZ Works will check and verify if those who apply are eligible. Examples of eligibility include:
- Parents with dependent children who are unemployed or experiencing in-work poverty
- Young people age 16-24 years who are unemployed or underemployed
- People age 25 and over who are not in employment, training or education.
Please note this is not a complete list and ABZ Works will check eligibility prior to any registration on a course.
Confidence Building
Taught face-to-face in small groups, this course is designed to provide learners with valuable knowledge and skills whilst promoting confidence in those skills.
Develop the ability to plan, stay organised, investigate, work well with others, and become more self-aware. Additionally, gain knowledge about the local area and important local issues through investigative activities. Working in groups will also develop team working and cooperative skills.
Projects can be tailored to suit individual needs and interests.
Upon successful completion of this course, learners will be awarded a College Certificate in Confidence Building.
Location: City Campus
Duration: 3 hours per week, for 10 weeks
Personal Development: Self & Work
Taught face-to-face in small groups, this course is designed to improve independence and confidence of learners.
Working through a vocational project, learners will develop skills in managing tasks, with support. As they complete the task, learners will be expected to develop skills in listening and talking; personal learning; employability; working with others; understanding and applying skills.
Projects can be tailored to suit individual needs and interests.
Upon successful completion of this SQA accredited course, learners will be awarded a SQA National Unit Certificate in Personal Development: Self & Work (H18P).
Location: City Campus
Duration: 3 hours per week, for 10 weeks
Computing Essentials (Beginners)
Taught face-to-face in small groups, this course is designed to introduce essential computing skills.
Topics include:
- Very basic computing skills
- Using the mouse and keyboard
- Getting familiar with Windows
- Basic file management
- Introduction to Microsoft Word
The course can be tailored to suit the needs of learners.
Upon successful completion of this course, learners will be awarded a College Certificate in Computing Essentials (Beginners).
Location: City Campus
Duration: 3 hours per week, for 6 weeks
International Certification of Digital Literacy (ICDL)
ICDL (formerly ECDL) is an internationally recognised computing qualification, and is widely recognised by employers as proof of skills and ability when working with IT.
ICDL modules teach skills that can be used in many different jobs.
This course is designed to teach the key concepts of computing, and how to use common office programs. The course improves understanding of computers and how to use software efficiently. It’s broken down into seven modules:
- Using the Computer and Managing Files
- Word Processing (using Microsoft Word)
- Spreadsheets (using Microsoft Excel)
- Using Databases (using Microsoft Access)
- Presentation (using Microsoft PowerPoint)
- Web Browsing and Communication (using emails and the internet)
- IT Security
Learners must pass the test for each module to achieve the Certificate issued by the British Computer Society.
Duration: Two 2.5 hour sessions per week, for 16 weeks
Skills for Green Jobs (National 5 Skills for Work: Energy)
This course is designed to help learners gain the knowledge and skills needed for a wide range of job opportunities in the energy industry. It also emphasises employability skills relevant to this field.
The course is a suitable introduction to the energy sector and covers employability skills for those with no background in the energy industry. Learners will get familiar with key words and industry terms, understand the sector’s impact on the environment and individual lives. The main focus is on improving employability skills. Teamwork, practical skills, and test procedures are also emphasised.
Upon successful completion of this course, learners will be awarded a National 5 Skills for Work in Energy (C258 75).
Location: Altens/City Campus
Duration: 6 hours per week, for 24 weeks
OPITO Introduction to Hydrogen
This OPITO course on hydrogen as an alternative fuel blends in-person tutorials and online learning with tutor support.
Units include:
- Key drivers for hydrogen as a fuel
- Hydrogen as part of Net Zero in the UK
- Advantages and disadvantages of hydrogen as an energy source
- Potential uses of hydrogen
- Safe working practices and basic hazards
A College tutor will offer advice and support for online elements of the course. In addition, two in-person tutorials are available for learners to undertake some group activities and demonstrations.
Previous computer experience is necessary along with access to a computer with a broadband internet connection.
Learners must pass the assessment to achieve the Certificate.
Duration: 80 guided learning hours, over up to 20 weeks
Sustainable Energy Management
These self-directed online courses offer flexible start dates.
This College-certificated course provides an overview of energy management so that participants are able to look at their own energy usage and identify savings.
No experience or knowledge is required before starting the course. Learners will need some basic IT skills, access to a computer with a broadband internet connection and be self-motivated to study independently.
Location: Online
Duration: Between 5-10 hours to complete
Principles of Waste Management
These self-directed online courses offer flexible start dates.
This College-certificated course provides an overview of different types of waste and how they can be recycled or disposed of safely, the benefits and relevant legislation.
No experience or knowledge is required before starting the course. Learners will need some basic IT skills, access to a computer with a broadband internet connection and be self-motivated to study independently.
Location: Online
Duration: Between 5-10 hours to complete
Studying at NESCol
As a student at NESCol, you can make use of the Student Advice Centre who can give information, advice and referrals to make sure you make the most of your time with us.
You will also be supported by the Students’ Association who are available on campus to discuss any issues you would like to raise.
National Union of Students in partnership with TOTUM promote a Student Card which can be purchased by any full-time, part-time or distance learning student. This provides access to a massive savings in over 200 shops, leisure activities and restaurants.
Get in touch
If you would like more information then email employability@nescol.ac.uk.