Would-be learners in the Ashby area have been reminded not to miss out on the chance to save 20 per cent on GoLearn adult learning course fees, as the discount deadline of February 28 approaches.

Hundreds of part-time day, evening and weekend courses - which take place in a number of venues in Ashby, Measham and online - are open for enrolment from GoLearn, Leicestershire County Council's Adult Learning Service.

Courses include a wide range of digital skills subjects from absolute beginners to advanced ITQ qualifications, Italian, Spanish, British Sign Language, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), online safety, pottery, Indian cookery, astronomy, yoga, drawing & painting, stained glass, textiles and much more.

There are also a number of FREE courses available for people who are seeking work and looking to gain basic skills.

This includes CV writing, interview skills and online job application support as well as flexible English and maths GCSE and functional skills courses, free courses to help support and maintain mental health including standalone workshops, and free courses supported by Leicestershire County Council's Love Food, Hate Waste team including Healthy Cooking – Zero Waste and Healthy Vegan Cookery.

For people who are looking to gain essential qualifications in English and maths, GoLearn offers FREE GCSE and Functional Skills qualifications to anyone who has never previously achieved a grade 4 or above (grade C in the old system).

GCSE courses begin in September and Functional Skills courses can be joined throughout the year.

Fast-track courses are available for people looking to achieve their qualifications quickly, with Pre-GCSE and Skills Builder courses available for anyone wanting to boost their confidence with English and maths ahead of joining an accredited course.

GoLearn is also offering an Essential Digital Skills Qualification – a free course aimed at complete IT beginners which offers a route to more advanced IT courses and qualifications.

Councillor Christine Radford, cabinet member for heritage, leisure and arts, said: "The 20 per cent New Year discount on course fees is a great opportunity for people who are looking to improve their job prospects, learn a new skill or develop a new interest.

"I would encourage anyone thinking of signing up for a course to take a look at what's on offer and enrol now to make sure they don't miss out."

The discount is applied to all fee-paying courses for anyone who enrols by 7pm on February 28, on top of the 70 per cent reduced fee, which is available to learners on certain benefits (e.g. Universal Credit, JSA, etc.) and for those on a low household income.

Depending on personal circumstances, courses could even be free for learners hoping to use their learning to find or secure stable work.

All courses can be searched online HERE.

Learners can also call GoLearn on freephone 0800 988 0308 (lines open Monday – Friday 8.30am-7pm) and speak to a member of the team to find out more about the courses, fees or paying by instalments.