Open Days
Learn something new. | Improve your confidence. | Better your future.
Celebrate the launch of our 2024/25 course programme and explore the possibilities at Skills & Learning at one of our open days in Dorset. It’s your chance to:
- Find out more about our courses, chat with our staff and tutors and get a feel for what it’s like to study with us.
- Tour our classrooms and learning spaces.
- Enjoy refreshments and pick up a free goody bag
- Talk to our careers advisors and get guidance on your learning and professional journey.
- Connect with current learners and hear their experiences.
We are offering a variety of open days throughout the summer. Check out the information below to find a date and time that works for you.
Drop in to meet our tutors, get careers advice and find out more about our upcoming courses for September and what we can do to support you on your Adult Learning journey!
Upcoming Open Days…
Dorchester Market – Wednesday 24th July 2024
Come along to Dorchester Market and explore your learning options! Stop by our stall and discover the exciting courses we offer. It’s a fantastic opportunity to:
- Chat with our friendly staff, learn more about our courses and ask any questions you might have.
- Pick up a course guide and browse through our courses at your own pace.
- Grab some goodies! We’ll have treats and informative materials for you to take home.
Looking for a new challenge or to expand your skillset? Come and say hello and find out how we can help you achieve your learning goals.
The Dorchester Market is held on a Wednesday from 06.30 – 14.00.
Online Open Event – Thursday 25th July 2024
Join us between 6.00pm and 7.00pm on Thursday 25th July to hear all about Skills & Learning courses.
You can find out about all our in-person and online courses starting this September.
Experience the benefits of a traditional classroom setting from the comfort of your own home with our online courses! Join a weekly class with a dedicated tutor and a consistent group of learners, just like in-person courses.
Getting started is simple. All you need is a PC, laptop, or even a smartphone with a reliable internet connection. And if you’re new to online learning, don’t worry! Our Digital Learning Support Tutors are here to help you get set up and comfortable participating in class.
Looking for a more self-paced approach? We also offer a range of distance learning courses and these courses allow you to work independently at your own pace, completing online modules to achieve your learning goals.
Come along to our online event to find out more.
Agenda for the evening:
- Welcome and what is Skills & Learning?
- All about online courses
- Learner experience / Meet the tutor
- About distance learning courses
- Range of online courses available in 2024/25
- Course costs, equipment/materials, requirements and more.
- How to find out more and enrol– including in-person courses
- Upcoming open days and events
A recording of this session will be available on the website.
Blandford Adult Learning Centre Open Day – Friday 9th August 2024
Join us on Friday, 9th August, from 10am to 4pm for a day packed with fun activities for the whole family! It’s the perfect opportunity to:
- Explore our courses – Chat with our friendly tutors, pick up a course guide, and find the perfect fit for your learning goals.
- Get creative – Participate in fun pottery workshops and family craft activities – a great chance to bond and have fun.
- Enjoy new experiences – Live music, an ice cream van, and hairdressing and beauty demos will keep everyone entertained throughout the day.
- Plan your future – Talk to our careers advisors and get valuable guidance on courses to support you in achieving your career goals.
- Relax and recharge – Other refreshments will be available throughout the event.
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity! Come explore our centre, have some fun, and discover the learning possibilities at Blandford Adult Learning Centre, Black Lane, Blandford Forum DT11 8SW.
The Dolphin Centre, Poole Open Events – Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th 2024
Saturday 7th September
Come along and find us at the Community stand in the Dolphin Centre between 10am-5pm to discover a world of learning opportunities! Here’s what awaits you:
- Explore our Courses – Chat with our friendly staff, learn more about the courses we offer and pick up a course guide
- Explore Our Centres – Get a first hand look at our facilities and see where you could be learning.
- Free Goodies & Giveaways – Grab a free goody bag and enter our exciting AFC Bournemouth football shirt giveaway!
Sunday 8th September
Join us at the Gather space in the Dolphin Centre from 10am to 5pm for a fun and informative day! You will be able to…
- Try out exciting taster sessions and get a feel for our courses and what we offer.
- Pick up a course guide and chat with our friendly staff to find the courses that match your goals.
- Enter our exciting giveaway for a chance to win.
- Enjoy refreshments throughout the day.
It’s the perfect chance to:
- Discuss your learning goals and find the perfect course for you.
- Ask any questions you might have about our courses.
- Take a step towards your future with a fun and informative experience.
We hope to see you there!
In the meantime… Check out our courses enrolling now!
We offer face-to-face learning in our centres across Dorset in the daytimes, evenings and weekends in over 100 subjects from Arts & Crafts, to Mental Health. Check out our course search and discover your perfect course.
Whether you want to gain new knowledge for a hobby, develop skills for work, or learn something completely new – we can help. Enrol online today to kickstart your adult learning journey and see where education could take you!
Why choose a course with Skills & Learning?
No hidden course fees
We pride ourselves on making education accessible for all, and do not have any hidden fees within our courses. We also offer financial support and concessionary rates.
Support throughout your course
Your dedicated tutors and Learning Support Officers will ensure you feel comfortable and supported throughout your time with us.
Not for profit, for the community
We are Dorset and BCP Council’s joint adult education provider. We do not exist to make a profit but to support adults across Dorset gain confidence, skills and qualifications.
Sustainable
We pride ourselves on being a sustainable organization and doing all we can to minimize our environmental impact.
Fully qualified & experienced tutors
All our tutors are fully qualified and have an average of 21 years experience within their fields to ensure you receive a high quality learning experience.
Small classes
We offer smaller classes than other organizations to create a welcoming, safe and supportive environment for your learning.
“If it wasn’t for the skills I’ve learned whilst being a student with Skills and Learning, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve what I have done. I’ve had a boost of confidence and have proven to my self I CAN do this.”
“In the dark winter months it has been great to share the learning experience and just simply lose myself in the subject for a few hours. I am a carer for my husband so it’s good to have time for myself at least once a week.”
“I found the course really interesting and definitely helpful. I felt extremely comfortable and able to share confidently. Danny Harris our tutor was great and made us feel relaxed and delivered the course really well. Thank you.”
“I have been learning here since 2017. All tutors are great. I am very glad that I have the opportunity to continue my education.”