As the new year fast approaches, now is the time to start thinking about resolutions and how you can kickstart all the self-improvement items on your to-do list.
Whether you consider yourself well-educated or want to improve in certain areas of your life, taking a course can be a great way to learn new skills and gain more confidence on particular topics.
Helping you to discover the best version of yourself this new year, CALAT (Croydon Adult Learning and Training) is one of the largest adult education providers in the country.
CALAT offers more than 500 part-time courses every year across the borough of Croydon on behalf of Croydon Council.
From parents wanting to understand more about supporting their children with homework to those aiming to gain new arts and crafts skills, CALAT has something for everyone.
In the community
Aiming to make its courses as accessible as possible, CALAT runs across three main sites: Strand House in Thornton Heath, Croydon Clocktower in Central Croydon, and New Addington.
Understanding that stepping back into some form of education after many years can be intimidating, the friendly team can bring the learning to you.
Whether there’s a quiet room in your local pub where you can practice some maths or the perfect meeting room at your workplace to improve your digital skills, the CALAT team are ready and waiting to hear your suggestions.
If you’ve already found a course you’re interested in on the CALAT website, you can register to enrol and book your place today.
Or if you fancy trying your hand at something new that is not currently listed, call the team and they will accommodate your request where possible.
A course for everyone
Learning a new skill or improving on old ones has never been easier, thanks to CALAT. Starting in January 2025, there is a plethora of courses available, including:
Family learning
Aimed at supporting parents and grandparents, the family learning courses are a fantastic way for children to get more enjoyment out of learning and for adults to improve their own skills.
Children don’t come with an instruction manual, so it can be hard to know where to turn for support. That’s where CALAT can help.
With multiple dates, times, and course durations to suit you, family learning covers everything from helping the kids with homework to how to deal with challenging behaviour.
Digital skills
Whether you are a complete beginner or consider yourself a tech expert, the digital skills department offers a range of courses to help you grow in digital confidence.
English and maths
Offering English and maths skills up to GCSE level, these flexible courses equip you with the practical literacy, numeracy, and digital skills required for everyday tasks, employment, and further education.
British sign language
CALAT already offers a variety of language courses – including English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) – but is introducing British Sign Language (BSL) onto its timetable in January.
It is not just a great skill; British sign language can help you communicate with people who may feel disjointed from everyday life at work, school, and wider society.
Change your life through learning
Former learner Rolf Taitte’s life changed after he gained English and maths qualifications at CALAT, giving him the confidence and skills to help and support others in doing the same thing.
Rolf said: “Two years ago, I finally plucked up the courage to learn English and maths at CALAT. With functional skills level 2 in both subjects behind me, I decided to enrol on a volunteering course to help others achieve similar personal goals and enhance their quality of life.
“Having volunteered for a short period of time, I applied and was offered a role as a Learning Support Advisor (LSA), which I am enjoying so much. CALAT gave me the opportunity to improve my situation and then help others improve theirs!”
With more than 500 part-time courses available and the opportunity to suggest others, CALAT can help you gain skills and create a brighter future for yourself – just like Rolf.
The courses available will need to be funded by you, but be sure to check whether you are eligible for free tuition, discounts, or help with the cost of your course.
You can book your chosen course via the CALAT website or by calling the friendly team on 020 8726 7777 for more information.
Payment is required at the time of enrolment. If you withdraw from the course, you will still be liable to pay the total course fee. Ensure you understand what you will be expected to pay before signing up.
