ANDOVER College is joining in celebrations for this year’s Adult Learners’ Week by launching its new parttime course guide.

The launch aims to encourage people to improve their career prospects or develop a new skill or hobby by taking one of the many part-time courses on offer.

Adult Learners’ Week aims to inspire thousands of adults to discover how learning can help improve their lives and increase their self-confidence.

The opportunities at Andover College include business courses such as ICT, accounting, book-keeping or business management and enterprise.

For those who want to learn a hands-on skill there is creative arts, construction, electrical and welding, hairdressing and beauty therapy or sports massage.

There are also courses available in counselling, first aid and health and safety, health social care and early years and teacher training.

Chris Jackson, 39, runs his own chauffeur business. He is studying a part-time maths and English course at the college and says he is already reaping the rewards.

He said: “Doing GCSE maths part-time gives you more confidence in your abilities to carry out everyday tasks, such as working out finance and figures.

“Studying English, doing presentations and powerpoint is also proving beneficial to my work.”

Some of the courses in the college’s part-time guide are eligible for 24+ funding. The 24+ Advanced Learning Loans, recently introduced by the Government, are aimed at over-24s studying for their first Level 3 or 4 course.