Bedfordshire Employment & Skills Academy

10/09/2026

👋 Ever thought about working with under 5's, but not sure where to start - or if it's really for you? 💭

Join our FREE Introduction to Working in Early Years Settings online workshop, designed to give you a taste of what it’s like to be an early years practitioner! 🌟

👶 Discover what it’s really like to work in early years settings
🎨 Learn playful, practical activities that support child development
🎓 Explore training pathways and career options in childcare

Workshop details 👇

🗓 Wednesday 14 October 2026
🕤 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
📍 Online - interactive session delivered in a small group via Microsoft Teams
💸 FREE (for ages 19+) subject to meeting funding criteria

👉 Learn more: 🔗 https://bit.ly/intro-to-EY

Or register your interest: 📲 www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/besa-contact-us

08/09/2026

Free coffee morning for local residents! 🍰☕

Looking to boost your skills, gain qualifications, or get support into work? Come along to BESA's friendly coffee morning and find out how our FREE training, qualifications and employability support could help you or someone you know.

📍 Flitwick Community Football Centre
📅 Wednesday 21 October 2026
⏰ 8.30am – 12.00pm (drop in anytime!)

✨ Enjoy free coffee and biscuits
✨ Chat informally with our friendly team
✨ Learn about opportunities available locally

👨‍👩‍👧 Children are very welcome (with attending parents).

No need to book, just come along, have a cuppa, and see what’s on offer!
👉 Please share with anyone who might be interested.

For more information visit our website: www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/besa-coffee-morning

07/09/2026

💭 Want to work in administration but don’t have the experience? If you live in or around Newport Pagnell, this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for 👇

🌟 Join Bago Care as an Administrative Apprentice over 15 months! 🌟

This is a rare chance to:
✨ Learn valuable admin skills on the job
📚 Gain a Level 2 Administration Assistant apprenticeship qualification
💰 Earn a salary while you train
🚀 Build confidence and kickstart your career

No experience? No problem. Just bring your motivation and willingness to learn 💪

⏰ Applications close: Sunday 13 September 2026. Don’t miss out - opportunities like this don’t come around often!

👉 Apply now:
https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/VAC2000049399

📣 Tag someone who’d love this or share to spread the word!

01/09/2026

👶 Do you live local to Henlow or Westoning in Bedfordshire and have a passion for working with young children? 🌟

We have FOUR exciting apprenticeship opportunities at Merry Poppets Nurseries based in Henlow and Westoning. You'll be fully supported in the workplace whilst completing the Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship programme over 18 months - all whilst earning a salary! 💸

As part of the programme, you'll:
✨ Attend a monthly tutorial with our other early years apprentices.
✨ Receive regular one-to-one support from your dedicated assessor.
✨ Gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to build a rewarding career in early years.

Open to anyone aged 16+! ✅

Find out more and apply today - but hurry, the deadline is 27 September ⏳

👉 Henlow vacancies (x2): https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/VAC2000050184

👉 Westoning vacancies (x2): https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/VAC2000050196

View current apprenticeship vacancies through the Bedfordshire Employment and Skills Academy (BESA). Find opportunities in areas such as business administration, early years and teaching support.

28/08/2026

Have you thought about a career as a Teaching Assistant? 💡📚

Join our FREE Introduction to Becoming a Teaching Assistant 3-hour workshop in to find out what it’s really like working in a school, and kickstart your journey to becoming a teaching assistant!

🗓 Friday 25 September 2026
🕤 9.30am – 12.30pm
📍 Shefford, Bedfordshire (register your interest to receive full details)
💸 FREE for ages 19+, subject to meeting funding criteria

✅ Understand the TA role and daily responsibilities.
✅ Explore different roles within a school and how support staff contribute to a positive learning environment.
✅ Learn key concepts like safeguarding, confidentiality and professional conduct.
✅ Discover career paths and progression opportunities within the sector.

👉 Find out more on our website 🔗 https://bit.ly/introtoTA, or register your interest by completing our short online form 📲 www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/besa-contact-us

This practical and engaging workshop is designed for individuals interested in exploring a career as a teaching assistant within a school setting.

28/08/2026

Join our FREE, interactive, online employability workshops running in September, designed to give you practical skills you can use straight away!

Whether you’re currently looking for work, wishing to change careers, or wanting to progress, these workshops will leave you confident, prepared and empowered 💪✨

Workshops include:

🌟 Effective CVs & Cover Letters - Tuesday 15 September, 10am-12pm
🌟 Develop Your Interview Skills - Wednesday 16 September, 1-3pm

🗓 These 2-hour workshops are delivered online in small groups.

📌 Open to anyone aged 19+ living or working in Central Bedfordshire & Bedford Borough (eligibility criteria apply).

Secure your free spot today! Fill out our enquiry form and we’ll get in touch with all the details 📲

Thank you for your interest in the Bedfordshire Employment and Skills Academy (BESA). Whether you're exploring courses, qualifications, apprenticeships, or careers support, we're here to help you take the next steps. To begin, please complete our short online enquiry form. This helps us gather the n...

24/08/2026

🚨 Could you recognise the signs of a serious allergic reaction? 🚨

Allergies affect millions of people, and knowing how to respond quickly can make all the difference.

Our brand new Allergy Awareness Level 2 online course provides essential knowledge to help you understand allergens, identify symptoms, reduce risks, and respond appropriately in allergy-related situations.

✅ Learn about common allergens
✅ Understand allergic reactions and anaphylaxis
✅ Improve safety and confidence in your workplace
✅ Ideal for professionals working with children, vulnerable people, food, or members of the public

Invest in knowledge that could help protect lives.

💻 Fully online
⏱️ Complete in just 3 months
🎓 Nationally recognised Level 2 Certificate (TQUK)
💰 Free for adults aged 19+ subject to eligibility criteria

Find out more on our website, https://bit.ly/4qzH8sF or register your interest now: www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/besa-contact

19/08/2026

19/08/2026

📣 Are you a local employer in Central Bedfordshire or Bedford and thinking about recruiting an apprentice?

You could be eligible for up to £5,000 in government incentive payments! 👀

Plus, apprenticeship training costs of up to £7,000 could be fully funded depending on the programme and your businesses circumstances.

We offer:

👶 Early Years – Levels 2 & 3
📋 Administration – Levels 2 & 3
🏫 Teaching Assistant – Level 3

And we can help you every step of the way. From advertising your vacancy to finding the right candidate, we’ll support you through the recruitment process.

📩 Get in touch today to find out what funding and incentives could be available to you: [email protected]

*Incentive payments are subject to eligibility criteria.

Thank you for your interest in the Bedfordshire Employment and Skills Academy (BESA). Whether you're exploring courses, qualifications, apprenticeships, or careers support, we're here to help you take the next steps. To begin, please complete our short online enquiry form. This helps us gather the n...

19/08/2026

Come along and chat to us about free courses, qualifications and employability support on Saturday 5 September 👋🏼

🎉 COME ALONG TO THE ORCHARD COMMUNITY CENTRE OPEN DAY! 🎉

Join us on Saturday 5 September, 1pm–4pm and discover what’s happening at your local community centre!

There’ll be lots to see and do, including:

✨ Tour The Orchard and explore our facilities
🥋 Watch live demonstrations
👋 Meet the instructors and local groups
🎈 FREE soft play available on the day
☕ Enjoy refreshments from BrewBike Hitchin outside

Meet some of the fantastic groups who run classes at The Orchard, including Lingotot, Tiny Talk, Baby Ballet, Shotokan Karate, Impact Kickboxing, Tabata Circuit Training, Powerhouse Yoga, D-Railed Dance, Slimming World amongst others!

Whether you're looking for a new activity, something for the children, a way to keep fit, or simply want to see what The Orchard has to offer, come along and have a look!

📍 The Orchard Community Centre, Sullivan Court, Erlensee Way, Biggleswade
🗓 Saturday 5 September 2026
⏰ 1pm–4pm

We look forward to welcoming you! 💚