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Overview of course

Are  you are keen to develop your knowledge and skills of counselling, then our Introduction to Counselling course is the ideal for you.

What will I learn?

Counselling skills can help you gain insight into how to deal effectively and helpfully with people who are distressed or you may find challenging. These are skills that can be useful at work and in your personal life. You will practice basic counselling skills, such as how to accurately reflect back what a person is saying, summarising, and asking open-ended questions.

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Click here to find out more!

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Download our app

Click on the App Store or Google Play logos below to download the College app.

Check out our latest events!

Whether you're new to accounting, already working in a finance role, or looking to set up your own accountancy or bookkeeping business, we'll help you build the career you want.

I want to be a bookkeeper

See why AAT bookkeeping qualifications are perfect for you

Bookkeeping it a key function at the heard of every business and the first step in the accounting process. Our qualifications will provide you with the principles that underpin modern bookkeeping, allowing you to develop the skills needed for a career as a professional bookkeeper.

Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping

Develop key single-entry manual bookkeeping skills and gain an understanding about the role of a bookkeeper

Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping

This certificate is the ideal starting point if you have limited knowledge and experience. You'll learn bookkeeping processes including how to execute the principles of double-entry bookkeeping and understand journals, control accounts and trial balances.

Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping

The Level 3 certificate builds on the skills/topics covered in the Level 2 qualification and enhancing them to the preparation of financial statements for small to medium businesses. You'll also be introduced to VAT legislation requirements and learn how to apply them and report on VAT.

On completion of the Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping you can apply for AAT associate bookkeeping membership and achieve professional bookkeeper status (AATQB).

You can even take you career one step further by becoming an AAT Licensed Bookkeeper.

I want to be an accountant

See what you can achieve with an AAT accounting qualification.

AAT's highly established, industry recognised accounting qualifications consist of three levels - Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4. Through each qualification you'll learn practical skills to prepare for the workplace, from basic finance administration skills through to preparing final accounts and complex management accounting tasks. In addition, you'll build skills across business areas including communication, technology, ethics and sustainability, gaining an understanding of the role and importance of these in the modern world.

Level 2 Certificate in Accounting

The Level 2 qualification covers basic accounting principles and techniques from costing and double-entry bookkeeping to an understanding of purchase, sales, and general ledgers.

Level 3 Diploma in Accounting

The Level 3 qualification introduces more detailed financial tasks, including maintaining cost accounting records and the preparation of reports and returns. You'll also master a range of accounting disciplines from ethical practices for accountants to advanced bookkeeping.

Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting

The Level 4 qualification enhances your skills further, covering complex accounting and finance topics and techniques. Once you've completed it, you'll have mastered the art of drafting financial statements, managing budgets, and evaluating financial performance, while also having the opportunity to specialist in specific areas such as tax, auditing and credit and debt management.

Apply for a course now

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Bookkeeping & Accounting

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Click on the App Store or Google Play logos below to download the College app. Check out our latest events! Whether you're new to accounting, already working in a finance role, or looking to set up your own accountancy or bookkeeping business, we'll help you build the career you want.

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See why AAT bookkeeping qualifications are perfect for you...

Bookkeeping it a key function at the heard of every business and the first step in the accounting process. Our qualifications will provide you with the principles that underpin modern bookkeeping, allowing you to develop the skills needed for a career as a professional bookkeeper.

Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping

Develop key single-entry manual bookkeeping skills and gain an understanding about the role of a bookkeeper

Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping

This certificate is the ideal starting point if you have limited knowledge and experience.

Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping

The Level 3 certificate builds on the skills/topics covered in the Level 2 qualification and enhancing them to the preparation of financial statements for small to medium businesses.

On completion of the Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping you can apply for AAT associate bookkeeping membership and achieve professional bookkeeper status (AATQB).

You can even take you career one step further by becoming an AAT Licensed Bookkeeper.

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Choice of online or classroom

September starts as well as various other times of year

1 lesson per week for between 12 weeks - 36 weeks study

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Click here for Maths & English

Choice of online or classroom

September starts as well as various other times of year

1 lesson per week for between 12 weeks - 36 weeks study

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Download our app

Click on the App Store or Google Play logos below to download the College app.

Check out our latest events!

The Adult Maths & English department offers a range of high quality teaching options to suit all expectations and lifestyles. Whether you left education early or didn't get the grades, we are on hand to help you achieve success.

Apply for a GCSE or Functional Skills course in English or Maths

Improving your English and maths skills can help you in so many ways, from finding employment to improving your earning potential. We can provide you with the tools to successfully communicate an idea or opinion, or divide a restaurant bill amongst friends!

We have developed new online courses and blended delivery options with the safety and well-being of our students at the heart of everything we do.

Our students will be provided with their own folder, equipment pouch and a revision guide - to encourage and support independent learning. Every learner will also receive tailored support throughout their studies.

Our classes are small, friendly groups of like minded people and our experienced tutors are keen to help you do as much as you feel possible. We are there to help you succeed!

You can take different levels of qualification from entry level, to Level 1, 2 and GCSE. Classes run daytime or evenings at centres throughout Suffolk, therefore you can choose which course best suits your needs.

Functional Skills or GCSE

If you have not studied for a while, we will often suggest doing a 18 week functional skills course before moving onto GCSE. We will do an initial assessment with you before the course starts and this will guide us as to your current level of knowledge. We want you to succeed and believe for some learners it is better to take a little longer and refresh the basics in order to achieve your ultimate goal.

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Click on the App Store or Google Play logos below to download the College app. Check out our latest events! The Adult Maths & English department offers a range of high quality teaching options to suit all expectations and lifestyles. Whether you left education early or didn't get the grades, we are on hand to help you achieve success.

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Click here to find out more...

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Click here for ESOL

Online and Classroom

All levels of ESOL are available in Newmarket, either at The Racing Centre during the day or Laureate Academy in the evening.

There are also classes running at other times online which might be more convenient.

Come and join us!

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English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

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Click here for Computer Skills

Online and Classroom

Come and learn computer skills with us! Classes at Newmarket, Thetford, Sudbury, Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds. You don't need any equipment for a class in a Centre.

You can also join online on Thursday nights - you just need a laptop or computer!

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Computer Skills, ICT or Digital Skills are the many different names used but they all mean the same thing. Developing your knowledge, will help you to access a range of resources and services online.

Finding the right course for you

Computer skills can help you, keep in touch with friends and family, improve at work, help to improve your employability chances, or help with improving your computer knowledge and know-how for everyday life. From complete beginners through to advanced, we have a course for you.

To help you select the right course please complete our short questionnaire which based on your answers will provide you with our recommendation.

How to workshops for beginners

A series of three two-hour 'How to' workshops aimed at those who have little or no knowledge and want to learn how to use the internet. Taught in plain, non-technical language this course will cover the most basic of tasks and you can sign up for all three or just one.

Get Connected - an introduction to using the internet

This workshop shows you how to safely connect to the internet, how to navigate you way around searching for and accessing services such as specific websites, online banking, online shopping and booking essential appointments, for example with your GP.

Read more about this course and enquire

This workshop shows you how to safely connect to the internet, how to navigate you way around searching for and accessing services such as specific websites, online banking, online shopping and booking essential appointments, for example with your GP.

Join the internet revolution! This session is the perfect introduction for those feeling left behind in this internet age and want to know how to use the internet.

The session is aimed at those who have no, or very little, knowledge of computers and want to get online. In plain non-technical language, it will take you through the basics of how to use the internet to search for information, searching for activities and classes, and how to make it easy to find the information again. You will learn how to fill in online forms to register for, or book activities, shop online, apply for passports, etc. You will also learn how to ensure that you stay safe while doing so. In the session you will learn about:

Different ways to access the internet

How to search

Opening links

How to fill in online forms

Creating favourite websites

Copying and pasting links in internet browsers.

The session includes a mix of taught and practice activities.

This workshop is all about emails, the importance of having an email account, accessing an email for free and how to send and receive.

Read more about this course and enquire

Join the digital revolution! This session is the perfect introduction for those who are feeling left behind in this internet age with little or no knowledge of computers and want to know how to use email.

We will look at the importance of having an email account in the online world, how to get your own email account (for free) and how to send and receive emails.

In the session you will learn:

How to set up an account

How to open, read and reply to emails

How to send documents or pictures using email

How to spot fraudulent emails and how to stay safe online when using email

This session includes a mix of taught and practice activities.

Get seen! Social Media, Facebook and Zoom

In this workshop we introduce you to the world of social media, teach you how to keep in touch with friends and family using platforms such as Facebook, as well as accessing online video chatting services.

Read more about this course and enquire

This session is the perfect introduction for those who want to know how to communicate and stay in touch with friends and family using video applications such as Zoom and social media sites like Facebook.

Aimed at those who have very little or no knowledge of computers and in plain non-technical language, this workshop will take you through the basics of communicating online.
You will also learn:

What equipment you need

Downloading the application and making it easy to find and open

Setting up an account

Joining a meeting (for example an online activity or exercise class)

Setting up your own meeting

Meeting options

How to use social media:
This session includes a mix of taught and practice activities.

Head Start with Microsoft

2-hour office skills workshops

Read more about this course and enquire

On this Introduction to Word course for Beginners, you will learn the key tools and skills that will allow you to create professional Word documents, from getting to know the screen layout through to utilising headers and footers and creating consistently stylish documents.

Editing text

Saving and Printing Documents

Utilising Word's spell check and thesaurus features

Applying formatting to documents

Cut, Copy & Paste

Text Alignment, Margins & Indents

Bulleting and Numbering

Using the headers & footers

Read more about this course and enquire

Excel is a powerful application and that's why we've put together this beginner's guide to getting started with Excel to take you from opening a spreadsheet, to entering and working with data, and finishing with saving and sharing.

It's everything you need to know to get started with Excel.

Opening a spreadsheet

Managing your worksheets

Entering data

Basic calculations

Unlocking functions

Saving and sharing your work

Read more about this course and enquire

Our PowerPoint course is suitable for those looking for a beginner level introduction to this popular presentation software.

Creating a new blank presentation

Entering and editing text

Resetting to default formatting, adding slides

The principles of presentation planning and design

Applying different themes

Saving a presentation

Viewing the presentation as a slide show

Computer Skills for Beginners

Alternatively, you can sign up for a 12-hour course, delivered twice a week for three weeks which covers all the above, but in much greater detail. The three courses available are:

The Basics and Getting Online

Read more about this course and enquire

This short course is the perfect introduction for those who are feeling left behind in this internet age and want to know how to use a Windows computer to access the wealth of information that can be found on the internet. It is aimed at those who have no, or very little, knowledge of computers and how to get online.

In plain non-technical language, it will take you through the very basics of what a computer is, how to operate it and look at how to use your computer to access and use the internet to; search for information, access online services like banking, benefits, taxes, passports and other government services. how to shop online and how to access social media to keep in touch with friends and family.

It will also look at the importance of having an email account in the online world, how to get your own email account (for free) and how to send and receive emails.

The course will have a mix of taught and practise sessions to help embed your new skills and covers the following topics:

What a computer is and the different types of computers available

Using a keyboard, mouse, and touchpad

Understanding the Windows 10 screen

How to find and open different applications

How to access the internet and search using your computer

How to save websites you visit regularly

Staying safe on the internet and understand what can be trusted

Accessing online services, filling out online forms to book appointments, holidays, apply for jobs etc.

Online shopping

How to access social media websites and emails

Getting Creative with your Computer

Read more about this course and enquire

Having mastered a Windows computer, this short course looks at using your computer to create things - files - how to save your projects safely and most importantly show you how to find them again!

Aimed at those who have a basic understanding of windows but now want to do more than just accessing the internet. In plain non-technical language, it will take you through how to create things (files) using your computer and how and where to save them.

We will look at creating files with WordPad and Paint and saving them to our computer, practise creating letters, newsletters and other documents, mixing text and images. We will also look at copying from a CD to a computer, how to transfer photos from a camera or mobile phone, look at how Windows stores your files using folders and how to create your own folders to get organised and be able to find those important files again.

The course will have a mix of taught and practise sessions to help embed your new skills and is specially designed to help you cover the following topics:

What we mean by files and how Windows uses folders to organise your files

How to save files from Windows apps, for example, WordPad, Paint

Working with File Explorer

Creating your own folders and moving them around to find files

How to copy music files to your computer

Where to find your downloaded files

Using portable storage such as USB sticks

How to transfer photos and other files from your phone or camera

Finding Work in a Digital World

Read more about this course and enquire

Finding work in a digital world is a course designed to help people find and apply for jobs online using digital devices.

As a lot of jobs can now only be applied for online this course is designed to help students be able to use job sites to find and apply for jobs, as well as feel confident in researching about the company and role to have the best possible chance of success in an interview.

All students should complete the course with a knowledge of:

How to write a cover letter

How to produce an up-to-date CV

Feel confident in joining and completing a virtual interview (which have become more commonplace today!)

Our aim is to get everyone, regardless of their experience with technology, happy, ready, and confident to apply for jobs online and have the best possible chance of success.

Part-Time Accredited Qualification Courses

Essential Digital Skills Entry 3 / Level 1

Introducing Life and Work Skills (15 weeks)

Read more about this course and enquire
Why Essential Digital Skills?
To enable learners to develop the digital skills they need for life, work, or further study as set out in the National standards for essential digital skills and to provide reliable evidence of learners' achievement in relation to the National standards for essential digital skills.
Entry requirement
This course is not suitable for beginners (For beginners please click on Computers for Beginners)

Although no formal entry requirements are required, it is essential that you have some knowledge of ICT and computer functions including:

Turning on a device (including entering and updating any account information safely, such as a password)

You will be invited to attend an induction and assessment session before starting the course, and from the results of your initial assessment we will discuss the level of the qualification you will study.
Qualification

Entry 3 the focus is on developing skills for life and introducing learners to skills for work.

Level 1 the focus is more on skills for work with a secondary focus on skills for life.

What You'll Learn
The Essential Digital Skills Entry Level 3 and Level 1 courses include the following topics:

The qualifications are appropriate for adults across a wide range of settings.
Where will it take me?
Essential Digital Skills Entry 3 and Level 1 qualifications enable progression onto further study, progression to employment, further learning, and opportunities within employment.
How Much will it cost?
No cost, if:

You have lived in the EU for the previous 3 years

You are not currently enrolled on an apprenticeship with another institution

Accredited Level 2 Award in Digital & IT Skills

Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint and more, for home and employment (16 weeks)

Read more about this course and enquire
About the Course
Functional Skills are applied qualifications which enable students to demonstrate skills through real-life assessments set in everyday contexts suitable for home and work life.

This 12-16 week, part-time, workshop style, course will have you working at your own pace with the help of a tutor, at varying degrees of difficulty, according to which level you are studying.
Entry requirement
Not suitable for beginners (there are other computer skill courses for beginners!).

Although no formal entry requirements are required, it is essential that you have some knowledge of ICT and computer functions and have a laptop or device to use and WIFI.

You will be invited to attend an induction and assessment session before starting the course, and from the results of your initial assessment we will discuss the level of the qualification you will study.
Qualification
You will take a Accredited Level 2 Award in Digital & IT Skills qualification when you are ready.
What You'll Learn
The Accredited Level 2 Award in Digital & IT Skills courses include the following topics:

Create, edit, and format documents in Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint

Effectively use Email

Awareness of risks and computer security

Plan, manage and organise files

Find and select information using search techniques

Develop, present, and communicate information

Create a document from various sources to be printed or viewed

Where it will take me
Accredited Level 2 Award in Digital & IT Skills qualifications enable progression onto further study, progression to employment, further learning, and opportunities within employment.
How much will it cost?
No cost, if:

You have lived in the EU for the previous 3 years

You are not currently enrolled on an apprenticeship with another institution

Accredited BCS Level 3 Certificate in IT User Skills

ICDL Advanced, ITQ - 24 UCAS points

Read more about this course and enquire
About the course:
This qualification is designed for people using technology:
Entry Requirements:
The level 3 adult offer is part of the Lifetime Skills Guarantee that was announced by the Prime Minister in September 2020. You will have an initial assessment to check it is for you.
Qualification BCS Level 3 Certificate in IT User Skills (ICDL Advanced) (ITQ)

Ofqual regulated

24 UCAS points to aid entry into university

What You'll Learn
This is a comprehensive, advanced qualification that will enhance learner's productivity with IT skills going forward in their studies and careers.

The qualification comprises of five modules:
How much will it cost?
Free of charge for all learners aged 24+ who do not have a full Level 3 qualification and 19- to 23-year-olds will continue to be eligible for their first full level 3 via the adult education budget.

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Computer Skills, ICT or Digital Skills are the many different names used but they all mean the same thing. Developing your knowledge, will help you to access a range of resources and services online.

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Focussed on Equine specifically for the Racing Industry

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Community - Career Development Essentials

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Email courses@naors.co.uk

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Please follow this link to browse the full range of courses available at West Suffolk College.

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Download our app

Click on the App Store or Google Play logos below to download the College app.

Check out our latest events!

Impending redundancy? Looking for a career change? Need a maths or English qualification? Or simply want to learn a new skill for pleasure? Make a change for the better!

Whether you're looking for a short term course to improve your job prospects, need to upgrade your skills to secure that promotion or want to step into Higher Education, we're here to help get you on the right track. Our adult offering ranges from entry-level all the way through to higher education and is designed to boost your CV as well as your confidence!

We run courses at the following locations:

We run classes across all our centres and our class sizes have been adapted to meet social distancing requirements. Please look at subject area to find out more how we are adapting courses in the current situation.

"The staff at the Learning Centre are always great, very welcoming and supportive. Please pass my thanks on to them... I love being a student."

Give us some feedback

We would like to know your views about the courses you want to see being offered in our local learning centres.

Please scan or click the QR code and complete our brief survey to tell us!

Watch our videos to help inspire you

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Click on the App Store or Google Play logos below to download the College app. Check out our latest events! Impending redundancy? Looking for a career change? Need a maths or English qualification? Or simply want to learn a new skill for pleasure? Make a change for the better!

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AN INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

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AN INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

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ILM LEVEL 2 AWARD IN LEADERSHIP AND TEAM SKILLS

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ILM LEVEL 2 AWARD IN LEADERSHIP AND TEAM SKILLS

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ILM LEVEL 3 AWARD IN LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

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ILM LEVEL 3 AWARD IN LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

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ILM LEVEL 3 CERTIFICATE IN LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

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ILM LEVEL 3 CERTIFICATE IN LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

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Use the scroll bars on the right hand side of each column to move up and down to reveal ALL the information for each subject listed.

Use the scroll bar at the bottom of the screen to move right and left to reveal ALL the columns.

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Use our course explorer to find your perfect course

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Level 3 online courses

Study in your own time

*Fully Funded

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Download our app

Click on the App Store or Google Play logos below to download the College app.

Check out our latest events!

Make 2021 the year you go further. West Suffolk College is helping Suffolk and the surrounding counties to create, protect and support jobs with a range of flexible, free qualifications as part of the government's Lifetime Skills Guarantee.

If you are 19 or over and don't yet have a FIRST FULL Level 3 qualification (Equivalent to A levels / Technical certificate or Diploma) you can study one of the below courses for free to gain skills to boost your job prospects or to help you progress in your current role.

Apply now

Courses coming soon

Fill in the form below to register your interest in one of these FREE qualifications.

NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills

NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator)

BCS Level 3 Certificate in IT User Skills (ECDL Advanced) (ITQ)

CIPS Level 3 Advanced certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations

A Level Mathematics

Courses range from 12 weeks to 36 weeks and many are delivered online, both tutor led and self study to fit with personal responsibilities and busy schedules. Start dates available from April. If you cannot find the right course for you, please do get in touch as we are continually adding new courses based on demand.

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Free qualifications - Lifetime Skills Guarantee

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Click on the App Store or Google Play logos below to download the College app. Check out our latest events! Make 2021 the year you go further. West Suffolk College is helping Suffolk and the surrounding counties to create, protect and support jobs with a range of flexible, free qualifications as part of the government's Lifetime Skills Guarantee.