Lifelong learning and education opportunities

We are committed to attracting new jobs to the district through our inward investment programme and we work in partnership with other agencies to:

• ensure local people have access to lifelong learning and training opportunities
• provide local people with opportunities to gain skills needed for employment in growth industries
• ensure residents benefit from employment opportunities created within the area
• encourage and support local employers to promote work based learning
• create positive links with local employers to identify employer needs for recruitment of potential new employees and encourage the ‘up-skilling’ of existing workforce
• promote a culture of Lifelong Learning within the District
• ensure that learning provision is coordinated and available to all in the district
• support, encourage and develop ongoing partnership working.
• promote Easington as a Learning District
• identify relevant funding to support learning        

Partner organisations include:

• Acumen Trust
• Age Concern
• Aim High Network
• Area Advisory Group (AAG)
• Basic Skills Agency
• Business Link
• Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
• Community Network
• Connexions
• County Durham Family Learning
• County Durham Learning (CDL)
• County Durham Pathfinders
• Cultural Services
• Developing Initiatives Supporting Communities (DISC)
• Durham County Council (DCC)
• Easington Action Team for Jobs (EAT)
• Easington Council for Voluntary Services (CVS)
• Easington Primary Care Trust (PCT)
• East Durham & Houghall Community College (EDHCC)
• East Durham Adult Education Network
• East Durham Business Service (EDBS)
• East Durham Local Strategic Partnership
• East Durham Parish Councils
• East Durham Partnership
• Education in the Community
• Federation of East Durham Schools
• Government Office of the North East (GONE)
• Information Advice and Guidance (IAG) Network
• Learn East
• Learndirect
• Learning & Skills Council (LSC)
• Mencap
• Mental Health Matters
• National Institute for Adults Continuing Education (NIACE)
• One North East (ONE)
• Peterlee Town Council
• Seaham Town Council
• Springboard
• Sunderland AFC Foundation - Sport in the Community
• Trades Union Congress (TUC)
• UK On-Line
• Workers Education Association (WEA)
• Youth in Action        

About this service

Introduction to Lifelong Learning

Lifelong Learning is the new buzzword In the District of Easington, and everyone, young and old, is being encouraged to engage in learning and education.

There are now many different ways to engage in learning, ranging from the formal certificated education routes to informal learning purely for interest or fun.

Informal learning is now recognised by the Government as a valuable ‘first step’ back into learning for many people, and can lead to progression on to more formal certificated education.

Learning does not stop the day we leave school, it is with us every day of our lives. 

Everyone has the ability to learn something new and age is no barrier to learning.

Learning is all about giving things a go, and believing in our-selves.

Different people have different areas of expertise and skills, but all are as important as each other in making the District a great place to live and work.

Learning for those between 14 and 19 years of age is all about providing a wide range of vocational and academic paths to meet the needs of young learners, and enable them to move into relevant education, training and employment opportunities.

Of course, having a good understanding of literacy and numeracy will greatly benefit anyone seeking employment/self-employment, training or Further Education (college or 6th Form), but these can be developed right through life, and need not be given up when leaving school.

Support for Lifelong Learning complements policies and programmes so as to ensure that they will:

• enable young people get the best start in life
• raise standards and achievements in schools
• promote and sustain post 16 learning and education
• help adults up-skill in existing job roles
• help unemployed people develop skills to help them find work
• enable the retired and elderly population to engage in activities that promote active, healthy, minds and bodies          

In essence, Lifelong Learning is a concept, which in its literal sense means from the cradle to the grave.

With our Aim High Centres, local college, libraries, community and resource centres, and some schools, offering a wide range of courses for young people and adults alike, there has never been a better time for people living in the District of Easington to enjoy learning something new

New Deal

New Deal is a key part of the government's Welfare to Work strategy. Personalised programmes of work and skills training opportunities, delivered locally, are aimed at helping unemployed people into work. There are programmes for young people (18-24), 25+, lone parents, disabled people, 50+ and partners of the unemployed.

All programmes are accessible through Employment Services and, whether you are an unemployed individual looking for a job or a company with vacancies to offer, your first point of contact should be your local Job Centre.

Learn Direct

Learning through work allows working people to gain university qualifications without leaving the work place. It is designed for individuals as well as work based groups. For more information visit Learning Direct.

Connexions County Durham

If you are between 13 and 19 and want to talk about your future and the things that matter in your life....Connexions can help!

Connexions is a service for young people designed by young people.A Personal Adviser can offer you information, support and practical help when you need it. They work in schools, colleges, Connexions Centres,community and youth centres. They provide confidential and practical help,working with other services where necessary.