Discover your potential this September with an Adult Community Learning course

Article date: 3 September 2024

Maria Welsby, 57, from West Park had been out of work for 14-months to come to terms with the death of her daughter, Jessica - who passed away in 2021, aged just 24 - having previously worked in the food industry. On taking advice from a friend to look at working with children, Maria volunteered in a primary school to help with her wellbeing before noticing an advertisement for an ACL 'Caring for Children' course which she then enrolled on.

"I started by journey with St Helens ACL at a time in my life when I was grieving the loss of my daughter," Maria said. "The course not only gave me a good understanding of how children learn and develop, but it also helped to boost my confidence."

While studying on the Caring for Children course, Maria started work at the school she was volunteering in as a midday supervisor, a role she thoroughly enjoyed which motivated her to continue working with children even more and pursue a career as a teaching assistant.  

To be able to achieve this ambition, Maria worked hard to progress through a variety of courses with ACL, including volunteering and digital courses, which helped build her confidence to progress onto Functional Skills English and maths classes at entry level, resulting in achieving Level 2 qualifications in both subjects before going onto complete a Level 2 Teaching Assistant course and secure a job in a local primary school.

Maria, whose unwavering determination, excellent attendance record and hard work was recognised with a Progression in Learning award at the Liverpool City Region Adult Education Awards last year, added: 

"Studying with ACL has taken me from being so low to meeting a group of amazing people who have helped and encouraged me to build my confidence and gain qualifications. The amazing help and encouragement from such fabulous tutors has changed my life enormously."

ACL - rated Good by Ofsted - is looking to support even more people like Maria this September. Whether you're looking to gain new skills, boost your confidence or advance your career, ACL's range of courses offers something for everyone, with most of the courses free - making it even easier for you to get started.

Councillor Kate Groucutt, St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Business, Culture and Leisure, said: "It's really warming to hear how our excellent ACL service is helping to transform the lives of residents like Maria who has had to overcome so much recently, and we're ready to support others who are ready to take that first step - no matter your age or skill level, you'll find a welcoming and inclusive environment where you can thrive.

"Courses range from digital, wellbeing, English, maths and ESOL to childcare and education, and are tailored to meet the needs of everyone in our community.  Whether you're aiming to gain skills to support your family, enhance your current abilities, or simply explore a new interest, we are here to help guide you in finding the perfect course to match your goals and interests."

Want to find out more? Meet the Team drop in events will be held in various locations this September on the dates listed below:

• Tuesday 10 September, 1:30pm-3:30pm - St Helens Library, based in The World of Glass Museum
• Wednesday 11 September, 9:30am-12:00pm - Park Road Centre, WA9 1HE
• Thursday 12 September, 10:00am-12:00pm - Thatto Heath Library

Are you ready to start your learning journey? Simply visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/adultlearning to view an online course booklet and find the perfect course for you.

Course information is also available by calling 01744 676671/677328, texting 07702 959814 or emailing adultlearning@sthelens.gov.uk.  To stay updated on the latest opportunities, follow ACL on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/StHelensACL.

ENDS