Adult Literacies offers a wide range of learning opportunities and delivers groups all across Inverclyde with sessions running during the day and in the evening. One of the team’s key priorities currently is to work with partners and communities to ensure that the residents of Inverclyde are prepared for the impact of welfare reform and are well supported through the transition period. As a result
of this the team have introduced some additional training opportunities. Universal Credit, Managing Your Money - The introduction of Universal Credit means that benefits will be paid monthly for the first time. This 3 week course will help you to understand the changes to the benefit system and plan how to budget your benefits. Course participants will also be using ICT to research benefit information online and develop their budgeting skills. This course is aimed at those in receipt of state benefits who will be directly affected by the new system. Setting up home - This course is designed to look at the numeracy skills needed when considering the costs of setting up and managing a home on a limited budget. The course includes sessions on working out a budget, comparing and contrasting utility tariffs, tips for saving money on shopping and the costs of decorating and furnishing. The course is aimed at anyone with responsibility for their own tenancy, looking to leave home or residential care. Counting the calories for a healthy family - This course aims to give participants a greater understanding of the guidelines on daily amounts of fats, sugar, protein, carbohydrates and salt that we need for a healthy diet. It also looks at food labels and how we can work out which foods are good for us and our families. It will also look at supermarket deals such as ‘buy one get one free’ and how to calculate the best value. General car maintenance - The General Car Maintenance course is designed for anyone over 16 years old who owns a car, is thinking about owning a car or travels to work. The course looks at general costs and maintenance involved with keeping a car both in the summer and winter time. Do you know how to check your oil, antifreeze or tyres? Is it cheaper to drive to work or take public transport? What factors do you need to consider when deciding? This course will show you how to do all of this and more. Numbers for work - Do you want to improve your numeracy skills to help you in your job or chosen field? This course looks at numeracy skills within different fields of employment. For example, social care, retail, construction and painting and decorating. In addition, these courses are also on offer:
English for Speaker of Other Languages (ESOL) - Do you know anyone for whom English is not their first language or the language used at home? We offer a wide range of non-formal ESOL provision including beginner conversational classes, English within the workplace and family sessions. We also provide support for formal Citizenship qualifications and SQA qualifications such as Higher ESOL. PDA Supporting Adult Literacies Learning (SALL) - The Professional Development Award in Supporting Adult Literacies Learning at SCQF level 6 is a new course. This qualification is the nationally recognised entry level qualification for anyone who wishes to undertake any voluntary or paid work within the field of adult literacies. It has been designed to be delivered with a learner-centred, participative and practical approach. Courses are planned to run in January and will consist of a three hour class based session each week for 16 weeks, followed by a 6 month (approximately) placement within an adult literacies group. Education & Communities Vice Convenor, Councillor James McColgan commented: “Inverclyde Council are delighted to be able to offer such diverse training opportunities for its residents. Welfare reform will bring with it many changes and these sessions will deliver invaluable information on many topics that will offer very practical advice.”
