Skills help and support for individuals

More than ever, communication is the key to success - in employment, in education and in everyday life. Yet, many of us find it challenging to get our point across in the best possible way, whether in writing, online or in person.

Communicate is a government initiative that provides fully funded literacy-based support for learners aged over 19 years old. Our short courses are fully-funded, taught at times to suit you in your local area. Our courses are facilitated by experienced tutors who understand how to help you.

We can offer support with:

• communication skills
• CV writing
• interview technique
• literacy skills

Contact Durham Employment and Skills Service

If English is not your first language, our courses will help you to develop your communication skills for everyday situations.

You'll learn how to read, write, and speak clearly in English, but it's more than just English: you will have the opportunity to work with people from many different countries, and share your story and culture. Most of all, you'll make new friends and boost your confidence to live well in your local community.

This course is designed for individuals who wish to have the knowledge and skills needed to give safe, prompt, and effective first aid in emergency situations.

Covers:

• the roles and responsibilities of an emergency first aider
• assessing an incident and managing an unresponsive casualty
• CPR, defibrillation and the recovery position
• choking, seizures, shock
• wounds and bleeding
• minor injuries

Delivered over one day.

This course will provide learners with a strong understanding of the importance of food safety, including correct food handling practices and measures to reduce the risk of contamination.

Covers

• the importance of food safety including food safety laws and the responsibilities of food handlers
• types of contamination and the associated risks including bacteriology, food poisoning, foodborne illnesses
• an introduction to the management of food including personal hygiene, workflow, work surfaces and equipment
• importance of cleaning and disinfection, waste disposal, pest control
• safe food handling practices including time and temperature controls

Delivered over one day.

This qualification is for learners wishing to apply for the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Green Card. The CSCS Green Card is for those working in labouring occupations only.

CSCS introduced a requirement for applicants to achieve a formal knowledge-based qualification, the 'Health and Safety in a Construction Environment' Award. Achievement demonstrates the applicant's understanding of key issues affecting safe working practices on UK construction sites.

Delivered over three and a half days plus tests (half a day).

Courses are aimed at developing skills for getting into Construction, Customer Service, Retail, Hospitality, Child Minding and more.

Delivered flexibly over 13 days.

This qualification is for learners who work or want to work in customer service sector and covers the importance of providing excellent customer service, the role of the individual in providing excellent customer service, the importance of customers' needs and expectations.

One and half day course.

This course is designed to ensure that everyone is aware of their own safety and the safety of customers, contractors and the public when working for an employer.

This course can be tailored to individual needs to make the learning experience relevant and fit for purpose.

Includes:

• know the principles of health and safety and accident prevention
• contribute to any health and safety management system
• recognise the importance of risk assessment
• responsibilities placed on employers and employees
• hazard, risk and main causes of harm to workers
• the importance of following systems, procedures and rules
• able to take individual action to reduce risks to health and safety
• how workplace equipment and task design affect health and safety

Delivered over one day.

The course includes how to actively listen and have conversations, provide suggestions but empower the individual to make their own decisions on how to best provide assistance in difficult times.

It covers:

• understanding mental health and its importance
• knowing a range of common mental health conditions
• how to implement mental health strategies
• knowing how we can support others

Do you want to improve your understanding and confidence with Maths? Do you need help with family budgeting? Do you look at your child's homework and feel like you cannot help?

Our short courses are fully funded, delivered in your local area by our experienced tutors (primary teachers and parents themselves) who understand the importance of working with the resources and methods that you need.

Delivered flexibly over either 1.5 days or three half days.

Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in how people think and process information and the course will cover conditions like autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and dyslexia, affecting about 15% of the UK adult population. The training promotes inclusivity by helping you understand and appreciate these cognitive differences.

The course:

• describes neurodiversity and its impact on individuals and workplaces
• fosters positive communication and create supportive cultures
• looks at neurodiverse strengths, challenges, and contributions
• navigates issues like burnout, hyperfocus, and sustainable energy management

The aim of this training is to develop learner's understanding of their role and responsibilities, in line with current guidelines, when safeguarding and protecting children, young people and adults at risk.

This course is for people who are working with children, young people, and adults at risk. This includes those in voluntary or unpaid positions.

Covers:

• understand the key safeguarding legislation and guidelines
• how legislation applies to their role
• what to do if a child or adult discloses information
• the signs and symptoms of abuse, neglect, or exploitation
• an overview of designated responsibilities for different safeguarding roles
• the role of the designated safeguarding officer
• how to deal effectively with safeguarding concerns
• increased knowledge of multi-agency work and relationships
• increased understanding of the key legislation underpinning multi-agency working

Delivered over a half day.

The course may include the following elements, but can be tailored to meet your needs:

• knowing how mindset helps or hinders you in life
• understanding the term 'growth mindset
• being more in control of your job searching
• being more confident with employers
• recognising and use networking opportunities
• being more resilient when setbacks are experienced