After the global pandemic brought widespread lockdowns, many of us took the opportunity to evaluate our lives. Not least, we considered our working lives.

Many are taking the opportunity of a reshaped normality to bring about a change in their career. And Somerset Skills & Learning (SS&L) is a great place to start.

From retraining, upskilling and qualifications to apprenticeships, personal development and support securing the new role you want, SS&L can help.

SS&L is not a college in the traditional sense. Instead, they offer adult learners the chance to be just that - an adult.

The variety of options available to people across the county is at the heart of the SS&L offering, a spokesperson said: “With the impact of the Covid pandemic, we’ve seen a lot of people changing career, whether it be pursuing a role as a teaching assistant, in childcare, business administration or something else. People are craving a bit of security, particularly older learners."

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But SS&L is not just for those looking to change their career path. For those starting out on their employment journey, the organisation offers a range of opportunities.

Young people aged 16-24 can take courses which improve their employability, resit their maths and English GCSEs or take part in work placements and apprenticeships.

With locations in Bridgwater, Taunton, Shepton Mallet, Frome and Yeovil, SS&L is always close by. But for those who want a more flexible approach to their education, their extensive choice of distance learning courses mean learners can study at their own pace, fitting around their other commitments.

Business admin apprentice, Ilze, said: “I wanted to work in admin but didn’t have enough qualifications or experience. I thought apprenticeships were just for young people, but they’re not.”

And fellow apprentice George said: “My apprenticeship means a lot to me, as it helped me gain valuable experience and get closer to the place I want to be - a primary school teacher.”

SS&L recently added yet another string to it’s bow, in the form of a beauty salon - Cloud 9 in Frome - which offers a range a beauty courses for learners in a commercial setting.

Kathryn Baker, CEO of SS&L, said: “Cloud 9 enables us to provide experience in a real working environment for our learners, especially as we expand our offer to include beauty courses and qualifications.”

So whatever your aims, Somerset Skills & Learning can help.

For more details of their life changing options on offer, visit: www.sslcourses.co.uk

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