ILA Scotland

September 2008

Discovering people

Do you find people fascinating?

If you are interested in the way people act individually and collectively then a course in social sciences could be right for you.

The Open University in Scotland are running an Introduction to the social sciences: understanding social change course. The course which begins in February 2009 and addresses a series of questions such as to what extent and in what ways are people having to live with change, diversity and uncertainty and are we living through a major transformation in society and the traditions that hold it together?

This course is an excellent introduction to social sciences and could be the first step towards going on to study subjects such as psychology, sociology, media studies and economics.

To find out more about this course or other social science courses in your area go to the Course Search page.

If you already know what you want to do then why not request an application pack today, by clicking here or by calling the ILA Scotland helpline free on 0808 100 1090.

August 2008

Approaching Coaching

With the recent buzz surrounding the Olympic Games in Beijing and the achievements of Britain’s athletes do you have the passion and patience to train the next generation of budding sports stars?

Well then why not try a course in Sports Coaching?

There are a number of courses available including Sports Coaching with Sports Development, Anatomy and Psychology and Resistance Training. So whatever direction you want to go then we can help you find a course that suits your needs.

Courses start from September and are available from learning providers throughout Scotland.

So why not request an application pack today, by clicking here or by calling the ILA Scotland helpline free on 0808 100 1090.

To find out about similar courses in your area go to the Course Search page.

Presentation skills

Do you ever have problems with presentations?

Whether it’s at college or university, for work or perhaps you are going for a new job. If the idea of conducting a presentation fills you with dread then why not try a course to improve your skills and build your confidence.

There are lots of ILA Scotland approved learning providers offering presentation skills courses. You can do anything from class room to online based courses so whatever learning you are looking for we have something to suit you.

Courses begin at various start dates throughout the year so why not check the ILA Scotland course search to find out which course is right for you.

To find out about similar courses in your area go to the Course Search page or call the ILA Scotland helpline free on 0808 100 1090.

May 2008

Acting out

Do you have a passion for films or the theatre? Ever think that you could give a better performance than the person you are watching? If so then why not try a bit of acting yourself?

Up Front Training's two day On-Camera Acting Masterclass could be just what you need to take the first steps into the world of dramatic arts.

Day 1 will give you the opportunity to watch and critique actual film castings of successful actors and discuss the techniques they use. You will participate in a series of exercises that develop effective methods that work on camera. At the end of class, actors will be assigned two scenes to prepare for mock castings the next day.

Day 2 you will apply the techniques you learned on day 1 to perform two casting sessions in front of camera, followed by a critique of these sessions. You will also receive a one-on-one coaching session in front of the camera with the course tutor.

There is a maximum of 14 candidates for each course which runs from 11.00am to 5.30pm and has flexible start dates through to 27th April 2009.

To find out about similar courses in your area go to the Course Search page or call the ILA Scotland helpline free on 0808 100 1090.

April 2008

Garden design for summer

 

Your garden can be a great place to relax with family and friends. But do you ever think it could look that little bit better?

Having a beautiful garden not only gives you a great place to entertain,  it can give you a real sense of achievement and also add value to your property.

If you have an interest in gardening but are unsure about design and layout then why not try Landscape Garden Design?

Whether you are looking to improve your own garden or take the next step into landscape garden design this course will give you a taste of what to expect.

Delivered by Airhouse Studios the course lasts for 2 full days and has flexible start dates running to 31^st August 2008.

To find out about similar courses in your area go to the Course Search page or call the ILA Scotland helpline free on 0808 100 1090.

Say Cheese

Photographs are a great way of capturing those special moments you don’t want to forget. But do you ever look at some of your photographs and think they could be better?

If the answer is yes then Photography – Introduction at Cardonald College is for you.  Whether you want to learn as a hobby or are interested in photography as a career this course provides an excellent introduction to the world of photography.

Whether you have little or no experience you will learn creative photography techniques for both film and digital cameras and allows you to explore the creative approaches on how to make the most of your photographs.

There will also be techniques covering camera accessories; studio lighting and basic Adobe 'Photoshop' techniques.

Delivered by Cardonald College the course lasts 12 weeks and begins on the 21^st April.

To find out about similar courses in your area go to the Course Search page or call the ILA Scotland helpline free on 0808 100 1090.

March 2008

Cooking the books

If you are interested in a career in Book Keeping then My Course’s Certificate in Basic Book Keeping could help you get on your way.

The course provides a good foundation for moving on to a professional certification, or to go straight into employment. You will receive a comprehensive manual, complete with many activities and exercises for you to practice as you study.

Tutor marked assignments are submitted to your allocated tutor, so that they can help with any problems along the way.

The start date is flexible and is entirely home study. The examination is also taken at home when you are ready so you don’t need to attend an examination centre.

To find out about similar courses in your area go to the Course Search page or call the ILA Scotland helpline free on 0808 100 1090.

February 2008

Effective communication

Improve your communication skills with help from Paisley and Johnstone Training Group Ltd.

Establsished for 40 years, this company delivers tailored training to suit clients' requirements throughout the Strathclyde region.

The course has no specific entry requirements and concentrates on improving your expertise in communicating and learning new techniques to assist with this.

Areas covered include listening skills and assesrtive behaviour and by the end of this course, your skills in the art of communication should be much improved.

To find out about similar courses in your area go to the Course Search page or call the ILA Scotland helpline free on 0808 100 1090.

   Aromatherapy

 

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils from flowers, leaves, herbs and wood to relax, stimulate, help physical and emotional conditions or just to make people feel good.

This fragrant therapy could be more than 5000 years old, but it has become a familiar part of our modern culture. It is one of Scotland’s most popular alternative therapies and more and more people are keen to learn about it.

There are aromatherapy courses on offer in Aberdeen, Clackmannan, Clydebank, Coatbridge, Cupar, Dumfries, Edinburgh, Elgin, Glasgow, Hamilton and Motherwell.

These range from a basic introduction course, which gives information about the main essential oils and how they are applied, to a higher certificate course. This certificate course covers various stages such as planning treatments with clients, preparing the environment and oils for treatments, carrying out treatments, evaluating the treatments, and giving advice. There is also the opportunity to learn more about essential oils and different techniques involved.

Carers and health professionals can take specialised courses about aromatherapy and cancer care or aromatherapy and the elderly.

All of the courses are ILA Scotland approved which means you could get up to £200 towards the cost of your course.

To find out about similar courses in your area go to the Course Search page or call our helpline free on 0808 100 1090.

   Book in for book keeping

There’s a saying that the only two certainties in life are death and taxes.  And for that reason, book keepers will always be in demand.

Pitman Training’s Book Keeping Basics course offers you the chance to gain a clear understanding of the basic principles of book keeping.

You will learn how to: 

• record the early transactions of a business
• complete cash book payments
• complete cash book receipts
• complete the petty cash book
• balance the cash book and reconcile a bank statement

Available in four different locations (Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dumfries and Forres), the course is available on a drop in basis, with the support of specialists offering advice and guidance on coursework.  The cost ranges from £215 to £255 depending on venue.

To find out about similar courses in your area go to the Course Search page or call our helpline free on 0808 100 1090.

JAWS droppingly good

Around 180,000 people in Scotland have serious sight problems, which can mean severely restricted access to traditional computer programmes.  However, using a screen reader can make a huge difference to this accessibility. JAWS (Job Access With Speech) for Windows is currently the most popular screen reader on the market, working with your PC to provide access to today’s software applications and the Internet. It uses an internal software speech synthesizer and the computer’s sound card to read aloud information from the screen, providing technology to access a wide variety of information, education and job related applications.

The RNIB (Royal National Institute for the Blind) employment and learning centre’s basic introduction to JAWS for the blind and partially sighted teaches learners how to: 

• Start up Windows and carry out simple file management tasks
• Create, modify and print a short document using Microsoft Word
• Send and receive emails using Microsoft Outlook
• Using the Internet and the World Wide Web
• Manage files and folders

The course costs £210 and is open to anyone who is blind or partially sighted and who can work through training materials independently with tutorial support. Materials are presented in an audio format.  Attendance is by negotiation, but will either be on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday from 9.00am to 4.30pm over 4 weeks.

To find out about similar courses in your area go to the Course Search page or call our helpline free on 0808 100 1090.

One giant leap…

Returning to study can mean creating a chance for better career prospects.  However, if you’ve been out of learning for a long time, it can feel like a really big step.  This is often a matter of confidence rather than ability.

Luckily there are courses in Scotland to help you get back into study – almost like a stepping stone before formal training.  One such course is run at Stepping Stones for Life in Galashiels.

The course consists of four to five learning sessions of up to three hours each. It includes the following modules: 

• Learning to Learn
• Creative Techniques
• Typing Tutor and
• Workstation Essentials

You can work at your own pace and can repeat anything you are unsure of. Tutor support is available as are additional practice exercises. On finishing the course you will be confident and competent with online and computer based learning.

The course costs £55, and can begin at any time.  There are no entry requirements, but you will need access to broadband internet if you want to study as a distance learner.

To find out about similar courses in your area go to the Course Search page or call our helpline free on 0808 100 1090.

June 2007

Working holidays…

Summer holiday season giving you itchy feet for a new challenge?  The City and Guilds Level two in travel and tourism teaches you the skills and knowledge you need to get a head start in an exciting and satisfying career.

The course, also known as the Association of British Travel Agents Certificate (ABTAC), covers a range of topics, from retail travel, to worldwide tourism destinations, to ABTA travel insurance. Learners will receive a world travel atlas and tourist attractions and events of the world textbooks as part of their course.

No previous experience is needed to take this distance learning course and it is open to anyone interested in entering the travel industry.  Each student is given a personal tutor to help with course work and with any questions they might have. There is also a student advisory service, which can be called or emailed for more practical advice.

Students will need internet access, but will be able to take advantage of the online student community, where you can interact with other students, browse our resource library and manage your account.

Assessments are a combination of Online GOLA assessment and tutor set assignments. The course can be started at any time, but all assessments must be completed within a one year period. Additional examination fees will apply.  The course costs £559.

To find out about similar courses in your area go to the Course Search page or call our helpline free on 0808 100 1090.

For mad and not so mad hatters

Panama, beret, topper, trilby, bowler, pillbox, Stetson, stovepipe or ten gallon – there are as many kinds of hats as ways of wrapping materials round your head.

Whether you want to make serious headgear or fanciful fascinators, budding Philip Treacy’s might be interested in Edinburgh College of Art’s Summer 2007 millinery school.

Traditional and contemporary techniques will be considered, and learners will be introduced to a range of appropriate technical skills (existing hand sewing skills are necessary). You will be encouraged to develop your own design ideas and will be given assistance putting these into practice.

The course cover:

• considering the design of your work

• learning skills needed for blocking and shaping buckram, wiring, draping, lining and trimming

• making two hats (one from buckram and fabric, the other, a cocktail hat, made from sinamay).

The course takes place from 10am to 4pm, Monday 23rd to Friday 27th July, and costs £350. Assessed work from the course can contribute towards the accumulation of 60 SCOTCAT credits.

To find out about similar courses in your area go to the Course Search page or call our helpline free on 0808 100 1090.

Approaching coaching

1960’s Scottish footballer and manager, Bill Shankly, famously said:

“Some people believe football is a matter of life and death.  I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.”

If you think you’ve got the passion and patience to train the next generation of budding soccer stars, why not take Clackmannanshire Training’s Coaching Young Footballers course?

Designed to assist coaches with planning, preparation, organisation and evaluation of their coaching sessions, this 12 hour course is very practical in nature. It focuses on coaching style and the use of differentiation, for example, provision of practises to suit the wide range of abilities within the childrens' age group.

The course is tutored by a development officer from the Scottish Football Association and takes place on Sunday 15^th and 22^nd July, from 10am to 4pm and costs £45.

To find out about similar courses in your area go to the Course Search page or call our helpline free on 0808 100 1090.

Opening doors…

Bouncer, doorman, security guard – there’s a lot more to door supervision than ‘if your name’s not down, you’re not getting in.’ 

Dumfries and Galloway College’s door supervision course provides an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a door supervisor including:  

• proactive customer care
• communication
• conflict management
• licensing law
• relevant legal aspects and
• health and safety requirements.

The course costs £225 per person and begins 14 July.  It takes 4 full days to complete and is scheduled to run again at various times throughout the year.

Learners who pass their two exams will receive a level 2 national certificate awarded by the BIIAB (British Institute of Innkeeping Awarding Body) and City and Guilds. Successful completion of the course will also allow candidates to apply for the Security Industry Authority (SIA) Door Supervisor License.

To find out about similar courses in your area go to the Course Search page or call our helpline free on 0808 100 1090.

May 2007

Lime sublime

There are 47,000 listed buildings in Scotland, and when things go wrong, you need a skilled tradesman to fix them. 

Charlestown Workshops are running a one day course in lime-pointing for contractors, builders, conservators, stonemasons, bricklayers, semi-skilled workers and labourers in the traditional skill of lime-pointing.

Used as a binding agent in everything made from mortar since Roman times, the presence of lime is almost guaranteed in any historic building.

This course is designed to teach you to be able to re-point in lime mortars successfully. The day includes mortar mixing, substrate preparation, joint filling, finishing and curing regimes for both rubble and ashlar work.

The course, which runs in Charlestown, Fife, costs £50, and takes place on 6th July 2007. Safety footwear and suitable working gear should be worn.

To find out about similar courses in your area go to the Course Search page or call our helpline free on 0808 100 1090.

   A change is as good as a rest.

 

The one constant in life is change, so the saying goes.  Why not make change work to your advantage?

Open to Change is run by the Open University for people who are facing significant changes, or thinking about making them. Perhaps they are returning to education, or taking a different direction at work. It aims to help you build up your confidence; develop your key skills; review your personal experience; assess your skills; and explore options for the future.

Designed for people who have not studied before, or who may have studied a long time ago, the course looks at facing change, making change, looking ahead, and moving on.  It costs £99, and begins on the 1st June 2007.  

Students will need access to a telephone (preferably a landline) for contact with your tutor, a television and equipment that plays DVDs. Though computers are not essential, to use the Open University online services, you will need access to the internet.

To find out about similar courses in your area go to the Course Search page or call our helpline free on 0808 100 1090.

Hard drive art

If you want to develop your arts skills in a digital setting while learning new skills relating to professional industry practice, Motherwell College’s Computer Arts HNC may be the course for you.

Wide-ranging and comprehensive, the course covers an array of theoretical and practical subjects.

Key skills covered include:

• basic drawing
• computer graphics
• graphic design
• creative industry practices and theory
• story telling

 Specialist options include: