Whether it's through hobbies like reading and painting, or learning a brand-new skill to kick start your career, like nutrition and fitness training, South Gloucestershire and Stroud College is helping people in the county to realise their potential through a variety of free courses.
SoGlos rounds up 12 completely cost-free courses that you can sign up to at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College in 2022.
Digital Art at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
If you've ever wanted to delve into the world of digital art but weren't sure where to begin, this course is a fun and informative introduction to get you started as a digital Picasso.
With the use of free online, feature-rich software, the course explores the core fundamentals involved in both photo editing and poster design. Students will learn skills and techniques such as colour tweaking, layer composition and manipulation, collage assembly and more - and by the end of the course, budding artists will have the confidence to use digital imaging software at their own leisure.
Principles of Business Administration at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
In recent reports, UK employers have stated that there's a shortage in skilled business and administration staff. To combat this, South Gloucestershire and Stroud College is providing a free course in the subject.
Students can expect to learn how to provide critical everyday support to help run businesses, meet targets and be a successful company. By the end of the course, participants will be well versed with the business administration role, enabling those in the county to excel within a business environment.
Beginners Spanish at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
Hola! With Spanish being the second most spoken language in the world - often used as a gateway to learn other languages such as French, Italian and Portuguese - this course is a great way to kick off your multi-linguist lifestyle.
After studying Beginners Spanish, keen learners should be able to confidently communicate by providing personal information, greetings, courtesies and introductions, as well as buy food, drink and clothes; travel and ask for directions; and even book accommodation.
Event Planning at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
Split into five digestible units, this course introduces students to the skills that are required to plan, organise and evaluate events, covering areas such as marketing methods and resources, market research, human resources, communication and customer service relevant to events - plus, it's totally free!
This course could be a gateway to exploring roles like meeting managers, program coordinators or directors of meetings - or, perhaps even lead participants to starting their own event planning company in the future.
Bookworms Book Club at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
The ultimate escape from the everyday, not only do books offer us comfort and companionship, they also help develop life and literacy skills, too - and South Gloucestershire and Stroud College is offering a free 10-week online course focusing on the shared joy of reading.
During this course, lessons will focus on short stories or poems of many different genres including romance, humour, gothic horror and science fiction, offering students the chance to broaden their reading experiences, as well as gain like-minded new friends.
Well Woman - Managing Menopause at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
Designed to empower people who will go through menopause in their life, this taboo subject will be tackled head-on with practical advice on the inevitable change at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College in 2022.
With one in every five women experiencing severe symptoms as well as feeling alone and isolated, it's important to discuss the realities of menopause and what is happening to the body, to grow students knowledge and build a support network with other like-minded women.
Understanding Mental Health at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
With approximately one in every four people in the UK facing a mental health issue every year, it's important to have a level of understanding and tackle this growing health concern, as well as challenging the stigma attached to it.
This 20-week course allows students to develop a thorough knowledge of both wellbeing and mental health, equipping learners with the skills to work in mental health services and progress in the health and social care sector. Please note, a minimum of four hours study time is required per week for this course.
Running Fitness and Performance at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
Offering the chance to further develop participants' knowledge on how to optimise road running performance, this 10-week course will explore a range of topics including psychology for running fitness and performance, nutrition for running performance, performance analysis and more.
The virtual classroom will provide two hours a week of academic content, as well as one hour of practical online running coaching, allowing learners to apply theory to practice.
Painting, Drawing and Print for Wellbeing at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
Offering a gentle introduction to a variety of painting, drawing and printmaking activities in a relaxed atmosphere, this course aims to support learning and enjoyment as well as facilitating a basic understanding of expressive techniques.
This artistic course is suitable for beginners or students who want to re-engage with their creative side, whilst developing at their own pace with support from an enthusiastic tutor.
Parenting in Mind at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
For many people, the past few years have been difficult, especially for young adults who have been deprived of social interaction and peer-to-peer relationship building.
This 12-week course will cover topics such as methods of communication, awareness of self harming behaviour, stress management and more, with the aim of helping parents and carers understand the different mental health issues young adults may be facing, as well as supporting them through this time.
Practical Animal Care Skills at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
If you're seeking a qualification to help you on your way to working with four-legged friends, this course offers students and animal lovers the chance to gain an understanding of good working practices in relation to safety and the environment - plus, participants will also develop practical skills promoting and maintaining the health and welfare of animals.
As this course is delivered mainly online - excluding practical assessments at animal care centres - those taking part will have full control over their learning pace, with the flexibility of working to their own schedule.
Understanding Nutrition and Health at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
Whether you're looking to improve your knowledge around diet and health for personal reasons, or to develop employment opportunities, this course offers a comprehensive understanding of the core topics surrounding nutrition and health.
Split up into six bite-sized units, those studying for this recognised qualification will gain the skills to help create a long-standing career pathway, with personal tutors providing the support needed to succeed.
