New year, new skill? If your resolution for 2026 is to learn something new, SGS College's part-time adult courses are ideal – with many starting from January.
SGS College's part-time courses have been rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted, so whether you're aiming to get a head start on a new career, learn a skill, or simply try something out for fun, here are some of the subjects on offer...
Art for Wellbeing
Art for Wellbeing at SGS College invites learners to explore painting and drawing in a relaxed environment. This tutor-led course helps participants get a basic understanding of mediums including watercolours, acrylics, pencils and pastels – and build confidence in expressing themselves artistically.
From landscapes to still life and abstract work to collage, there's plenty to be inspired by, whether you're a complete beginner, or someone looking to reignite their artistic passion.
To find out more, or book a place, visit sgscol.ac.uk/art-for-wellbeing.
Counselling
Turn compassion into a career with a qualification in counselling from SGS College. It offers Level 2 and Level 3 courses that blend in-person, online and blended learning, giving students flexibility to suit their lifestyle.
Helping students develop the knowledge and practical skills they need to make a real impact, these courses provide clear progression routes and support at every stage from SGS College's highly qualified and experienced counselling team, who will guide them through their learning journey.
For more information, or to book a place, visit sgscol.ac.uk/counselling.
Accounting
Take the next step in your accounting career with this AAT Level 3 Diploma in accounting at SGS College.
This nationally recognised qualification builds on foundational accounting knowledge and can unlock more senior roles, or further study, so it's ideal for those looking to upskill, retrain or go for a promotion.
To find out more, or book a place, visit sgscol.ac.uk/l3-accounting-aat-diploma.
Stained glass
Another course in SGS College's Creativity for Wellbeing series, stained glass mosaics with Ruth Adams invites participants to try their hand at this ancient craft.
From learning all about techniques and materials; making a design; to glass cutting, glueing and grouting, this hands-on course is ideal for keen crafters – with additional support offered for anyone with dexterity or coordination challenges.
To find out more, or book a place, visit sgscol.ac.uk/creativity-for-wellbeing--stained-glass-mosaics-with-ruth-adams.
Digital skills
SGS College's digital functional skills course helps people navigate the online world with ease – with fully funded places available for Gloucestershire residents.
From learning how to use devices, apps and the internet safely and effectively, whether for personal or professional purposes, the course helps participants avoid frustration and build confidence through a mixture of in-person and online learning.
For more information, or to book a place, visit sgscol.ac.uk/l1-digital-functional-skills.
Adult care
For people looking to progress their career in adult care, such as support workers, home care workers and residential care workers moving into more senior positions, SGS College's Level 3 diploma in adult care is a great way to meet the Skills for Care qualification criteria.
With both competence-based and knowledge-based units spanning person-centred care, safeguarding, infection control, handling information and more, the diploma prepares participants to move into roles where they can supervise others and take on more responsibility.
For more information, or to book a place, visit sgscol.ac.uk/l3-adult-care.
Jewellery making
If creating your own unique jewellery is something you've always wanted to try, but you're not sure where to start, this beginners jewellery making course is ideal.
Using silver and other metals, participants will get to grips with fundamental techniques like soldering, saw piercing, annealing, metal forming and enamelling in term one; followed by stone setting and links in term two, alongside making simple jewellery findings and working on their own design project throughout.
For more information, or to book a place, visit sgscol.ac.uk/beginners-jewellery-with-tamsin.
Creating a business start-up
If you've got a great idea for a business, but haven't yet taken the plunge into self employment, SGS College's Level 2 certificate in creating a business start-up can provide the essential skills and knowledge you need.
Aspiring entrepreneurs will learn how to identify a viable business opportunity; develop a business plan; and get to grips with all the risks and rewards of business ownership, including legal and financial considerations, to help them turn their vision into a reality.
For more information, or to book a place, visit sgscol.ac.uk/l2-certificate-in-creating-a-business-startup.
Digital promotion for business
Ideal for entrepreneurs and small business owners, digital promotion for business at SGS College is designed to help build digital marketing skills to promote your organisation.
The course teaches participants how to create effective content and understand how digital marketing and social media can maximise revenue and build reputation.
For more information, or to book a place, visit sgscol.ac.uk/l2-digital-promotion-for-business.
Ceramics
Tutor Gina Baum's all abilities ceramics course gives participants the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and skills through learning about and working with clay.
Through demonstrations; one-to-one guidance; group discussions on historic and contemporary ceramic artists; personal research; and hands-on experimentation, students will develop their own personal practice using the processes they enjoy most, to bring their ideas to life.
For more information, or to book a place, visit sgscol.ac.uk/ceramics--all-abilities-with-gina-baum.
Leadership skills in construction
SGS College's Built to Lead skills bootcamp is aimed at site supervisors and team leaders working on construction sites. Whether you're new in a role, or want to brush up on your skills and behaviours, this eight-week course is designed to help leaders get the most from their teams.
Covering topics including project management, how to motivate a team and conflict resolution, participants will work towards a Level 3 certificate in leadership and management practice for the construction and built environment sector.
For more information, or to book a place, visit sgscol.ac.uk/skills-bootcamp.
Coding
With the Level 2 understanding coding course, SGS College gives those interested in computer programming the skills they need to take the first steps towards a career in IT.
From principles and best practices to understanding the software development cycle; DevOps; and variety of coding languages, the course provides a solid introduction to this essential digital skill.
For more information, or to book a place, visit sgscol.ac.uk/l2-understanding-coding.
GCSE English
If you didn't get your GCSE in English at school, or would like to improve your grade, SGS College's adult GCSE English course allows you to do just that – with fully funded places available for Gloucestershire residents.
Gaining this essential qualification could help open the door to a new career or further education opportunities.
For more information, or to book a place, visit sgscol.ac.uk/adult-gcse-english.
GCSE maths
Master algebra; ratios; proportion and rates of change; geometry; probability and statistics with SGS College's adult GCSE maths course.
This comprehensive course equips students with skills to achieve a grade 4 or higher, so if maths wasn't your subject at school, learners have the chance to gain a GCSE in this subject for the first time, or improve their grade – with fully funded places available for Gloucestershire residents.
For more information, or to book a place, visit sgscol.ac.uk/adult-maths-gcse.
