Useful links
The following links can be used to direct learners to further sources of careers, learning and employment support and advice.
The Association of British Credit Unions represents UK credit unions and a key objective for them is to encourage financial literacy. Their web site provides information on the benefits of using credit unions and local credit unions can be found by searching their online database.
www.abcul.coop
By working closely with key players in the licensed retail sector, local government, and the Scottish Executive, BII Scotland develop highly relevant sector-specific qualifications to support socially responsible licensed retail.
www.biiscotland.org
Careers Scotland provides free careers information, advice and guidance to the people of Scotland - whatever their age, background or circumstances. The service is part of Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. As well as individuals, Careers Scotland also works to support employers and the learning and guidance sector. There are more than 100 Careers Scotland centres across Scotland. To find your nearest centre, call 0845 8502 502.
www.careers-scotland.org.uk
Childcarelink provides information on childcare provision available throughout the UK. The website provides information about the different types of childcare and early education in your local area and helps you to make the right choice. The web site offers you the facility to search for childcare or details of local advice and provision can be accessed by calling 08000 96 02 96.
www.childcarelink.gov.uk
CLAN Edinburgh is a partnership project funded by the Scottish Executive and led by City of Edinburgh Council. The partnership's key objectives are to increase the number of people confident about using English and Maths in their everyday lives, increase choice for learners and improve the quality of learning opportunities in the City of Edinburgh.
www.clanedinburgh.org
The Citizens Advice Bureau provides information to the public on a wide range of matters including money advice, housing, legal matters, employment as well as benefits. Citizens Advice Scotland is the umbrella organisation for Scottish bureaux: while the CAS does not provide advice, you can use its website to find your local citizens advice bureau or sources of advice online.
www.cas.org.uk
Crossreach offers residential, day care, drop-in, counselling, short breaks. CrossReach works with 4000 people in need every day across Scotland.
www.crossreach.org.uk
The core business of Dunedin Canmore is to provide and maintain socially rented housing to 4,000 of our tenants in Edinburgh. The Association however, is committed to being more than just a landlord. A number of tenant focussed projects are delivered each year, with many of these having a learning theme.
www.dunedincanmore.org.uk
Funding for Learners is part of the Scottish Executive’s Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department. They deal with a wide customer base of students in higher and further education. If you need information on what you are financially entitled to guidance is provided on their web site.
www.fundingforlearners.co.uk
learndirect scotland is Scotland’s national gateway to learning. They can provide you with the information and guidance to help you choose what you want to learn, how you want to learn and where. With over 65,000 courses throughout Scotland to choose from there's something for everyone. If you are not sure what you want to learn, or require further information, call the helpline free on 0808 100 9000 to speak with an adviser. You can also search for courses on the website.
www.learndirectscotland.com
Lead Scotland supports disabled young people, adults and carers to access post-school education. Their services are free and confidential. They offer adult guidance, volunteer support, transition support, creative solutions, impartial information, flexible 1 to 1 support, support to communicate with learning providers. Also have a free computer loan scheme.
www.lead.org.uk
PlanIT Plus provides a gateway to all the information that you will need to get the most out of careers, learning and work in Scotland. Their web site provides fact sheets on all aspects of career development, including job profiles to help you decide what route to take to get into your dream job.
www.planitplus.net
Reed in Partnership support unemployed people back to work. Employability skills training, confidence building and access to vacancies and job search resources. Financial assistance in the transition period and help with childcare, travel and work wear. Recruitment management services for members and employers. External training provision and routeway development.
www.reedinpartnership.co.uk
The STUC Skills & Lifelong Learning Team supports trade unions in Scotland to encourage and help workers take up opportunities to develop their learning and skills. In partnership with Scottish unions and organisations, the Skills & Lifelong Learning Team provides services to unions to allow their members to access everyday skills development and further education opportunities, ultimately to benefit Scottish workers and society as a whole.
www.scottishunionlearning.com
The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations is the umbrella body for voluntary organisations in Scotland. Through its members, elected representatives, paid staff and volunteers it represents the interests of the Third Sector and provides services to help voluntary organisations across Scotland work more effectively. It encourages organisations to realise their full potential and encourages them to undertake training and learning.
www.scvo.org.uk
The Scottish Government is the government for Scotland and it is responsible for most of the issues of day-to-day concern to the people of Scotland, including health, education, justice, rural affairs, and transport. Information about the responsibilities and activities of the Scottish Government can be found at their web site.
www.scotland.gov.uk
Housing Associations offer affordable low cost housing to rent or buy and The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations is the umbrella body for these organisations in Scotland. They can provide information on the services available and you can search their web site to find your local Housing Association.
www.sfha.co.uk
The Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) is an Agency of the Scottish Government and is responsible for providing support and advice to eligible Scottish students who are looking to enter, or are currently attending, higher education. They can be contacted by phone on 0845 111 1711 or information can be obtained from their web site.
www.saas.gov.uk
www.volunteerscotland.org.uk is the web site for Scotland's Volunteer Centre Network. It has been designed for those who want to volunteer or want more information about volunteering. Volunteer opportunities are advertised on the website or you can search for your local volunteer centre and contact them direct to find out more. Volunteering can be an excellent way of allowing you to learn and put new skills into practice.