Wigan and Leigh College expecting boom in distance learning during lockdown

Wigan and Leigh College is predicting an upsurge in its already popular distance learning programme. It was set up in 2018 and saw many adults sign up instantly.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Aimed at over-24s, adult learners are offered a wide range of Level 2 certified courses that can be completed in just 12 weeks and more importantly, can be done virtually anywhere.

As the courses are online, this provides much flexibility to study in times that suit each individual and has the added bonus of being free if the course is completed.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The college has seen a huge growth of applicants over the last year and this will likely increase with more people being confined to their homes due to the current Covid-19 crisis.

Wigan and Leigh CollegeWigan and Leigh College
Wigan and Leigh College

There are currently 21 courses available and these can be amended or updated accordingly to support skills shortages in a number of priority sectors on consultation with industry specific employers.

Adults have been choosing these courses for a variety of reasons such as to upskill and/or to progress their careers.

Many of the courses are for those working in health and social care sectors with some for management and professional employees.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This includes 24-year-old Danielle Atkins, who works as bar staff for the Fifteens chain. She started distance learning during maternity leave.

Danielle wants to gain work within the health and social care sector. She enjoyed her course so much that she signed onto the next course as quickly as she could.

Danielle said: “I chose distance learning as I was on maternity leave and wanted to gain a few qualifications whilst being out of work - with having a baby and being unable to leave to go to the college building, it has been ideal being able to study at home and in my own time.

“I am so thankful that distance learning exists and look forward to studying with Wigan & Leigh College for as long as possible and undertaking as many courses as I

can.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Assistant principal Kendra Chant said: “The curriculum offer and suite of qualifications are offered as a result of consultation with employers regarding the training needs of their staff and organisations.

“For example, there’s been a big uptake on the Level 2 Certificate in Autism as many schools and health & social care providers have indicated a high need to raise awareness in this particular area.”

For more information email the admissions team on: [email protected] or visit wigan-leigh.ac.uk/adult-courses/distance-learning

Related topics: