A FULL-time return to work course has completed its first year at the Aspire Centre in Burford, near Tenbury Wells.

A positive and mutually supportive atmosphere within the class makes the centre, a campus of Walford & North Shropshire College, a popular choice amongst students from a wide range of backgrounds.

There are those who have recently been made redundant, like Christine Sanders, who is determined to remain positive whilst updating her skills.

And there are those who are holding down a full-time position, such as Bill James. Both of them have already managed to achieve several qualifications.

All the students work towards their own individual goals, which range from upgrading old skills to learning totally new ones from scratch and many of the students are only too happy to tell of their own recent success stories, which they attribute directly to the course.

One of these students, Emma Clarke, has managed to complete the level two diploma course and gain several distinctions whilst simultaneously coping with the demands of two young children and running a home.

She said: “I hadn’t done anything with computers since leaving school around ten years ago, so I was a little uncertain at first.

“Now I plan to go on and complete the levels three and four diplomas next year.”

But Emma said it is not just about the qualifications.

“My partner goes to work early and gets home late so this course has also been an opportunity for me to spend time with other adults.

“The people on the course come from all walks of life and are so interesting.

“I’ve made some really good friends, people I’ll stay in touch with even outside of college.

“It hasn’t always been easy but it’s definitely worth it.”

Course lecturer Marlaine Delargy said: “The commitment and perseverance of all the students has been admirable and many are keen to continue into the next academic year.

“We are confident that everyone will gain a great deal from the course and look forward to welcoming a new cohort this month when we’ll be offering the same bank of qualifications, along with a range of part-time options.”

In addition to the Return to Work Course, from the new term, the centre will be offering a one-year level two course in automotive engineering.

For more information about all the courses available at Aspire, contact the centre on 01584 811789 or visit wnsc.ac.uk.