HIGHER SKILLS, APPRENTICESHIPS AND SKILLS FOR EMPLOYMENT
YOUR GUIDE TO ADULT EDUCATION
Your study options are wide-ranging! We offer a variety of courses, from Entry level to Degree level, ensuring thereās something for everyone. With flexible programmes designed to fit around your needs, you can pursue your educational goals at a pace that suits you.
Why choose us
We place our students at the centre of everything we do, supporting them in both their employment and everyday life.
OUR CAMP USES
Bedford College has a main campus located on Cauldwell Street and three satellite sites: Brooks Hair & Beauty, Advanced Automotive Technology Centre (Brunel Road) and Gas and Plumbing (Kempston) each with impressive modern buildings with close links to public transport.
Welcome to bedford college OPEN DAYS YOUR FUTUREāS BRIGHT
If youād like to get more information, why not come to an Open Day? Scan the QR code or visit our website for more information on dates and how to register.
Finance
Available Funding for Part-Time Adults
We offer a wide range of financial support options to help manage the costs of your course. Our support packages are designed to cater to various needs and circumstances, including bursaries and flexible payment plans, ensuring that education is accessible and affordable for all.
To explore the financial support options available and determine your eligibility, please visit our website. Our online eligibility checker provides a quick and easy way to find out which support options you may qualify for, helping you make informed decisions.
Available Support for Part-time Adults:
ā¢ tuition fee
ā¢ travel bursary
ā¢ childcare
ā¢ meal support
SCAN ME TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR PART-TIME ADULT COURSES
Student life at BEDFORD College
Student life at Bedford College for adult learners is designed to be supportive, diverse, and enriching.
The College offers a wide range of courses and facilities aimed at catering to the needs of adults returning to education, whether for career advancement, personal development, a career change or starting a new hobby.
Support Services
Bedford College provides extensive student support services, as well as access to tutors who offer one-on-one support throughout your course.
Tutors can help with academic progress, personal development, and career planning. The College also offers a dedicated counselling service to assist with a variety of personal issues, such as stress, financial hardship, and mental health concerns. Our Student Services team are trained in careers, advice, and guidance, ensuring high-quality professional support.
Learning Environment
Adult learners at Bedford College benefit from modern facilities and dedicated study spaces.
The College ensures that classrooms and workshops are equipped with top resources, and tutors bring practical industry experience to their teaching. This hands-on approach helps adult learners connect theory with real-world application, enhancing their educational experience.
Community and Activities
The College fosters a vibrant community with a mix of students from various backgrounds and stages of life. The Student Union organises events, guest speaker sessions, and trips, offering numerous opportunities for social engagement and networking. Clubs and societies are available for students to join, providing a well-rounded college experience beyond academics.
Flexible Learning Options
To accommodate the varied schedules of adult learners, Bedford College offers flexible learning options, including part-time and distance learning courses. This flexibility allows students to balance their studies with work or other commitments. The Collegeās strong ties with over 1000 organisations also help shape their courses and provide direct recruitment opportunities for students.
SUBJECTS NEAR YOU!
Whether youāre looking to study Full-time or part-time, we offer
you can study them.
case study
At 17, I followed my passion for hairdressing and enrolled part-time at Bedford College. Hair had always fascinated me from styling my own to experimenting on friends and family. Unfortunately, personal challenges meant I had to step away, beginning years of jobs that never fulfilled me. Hairdressing remained only a hobby, but my dream never faded.
At 39, I decided to return to education and enrolled in an adult part-time Hairdressing Level 2 course at Brooks, Bedford College. With more life experience and determination, I completed both Level 2 and Level 3, finally gaining the confidence and skills to pursue my dream career. At 41, I am proud to be a qualified stylist, preparing to launch my own business while exploring exciting new opportunities.
During my studies, the support of my tutors was invaluable. They werenāt just teachers; they were mentors who encouraged me through challenges and reminded me that learning has no age limit.
One of my proudest moments was reaching the finals of the Concept Hair Learner of the Year 2025 competition in the textured hair category. Under pressure, I created a braided style live in 40 minutes a true personal victory that proved what I was capable of.
That experience inspired me to apply for other opportunities, including the SNAP! Hair Award at Salon International and a Calligraphy Cuts Fellowship scholarship. Alongside these achievements, I am studying a Business Start-Up course to build strong foundations for my career.
To anyone considering hairdressing whether straight from school or later in life, I say go for it. The journey may be challenging, but the rewards are worth it.
āItās never too late to chase your dreams, passion and persistence can turn them into reality.ā
Sereta Edwards
Part-time courses
Part-time courses provide a flexible way to get back into education. Whether you are balancing work, family commitments, or other responsibilities, part-time study allows you to pursue your educational goals without sacrificing your current lifestyle. These courses provide the same high-quality education as Full-time programmes but with a reduced time commitment, typically involving evening classes. This flexibility enables you to advance your career, acquire new skills, or explore personal interests at a pace that suits you, making it easier to manage your time and achieve a balanced, fulfilling life.
We offer part-time courses aiming to:
ā¢ improve your confidence
ā¢ enhance your life skills
ā¢ increase your employment opportunities
ā¢ get you promoted
confIdence
Our courses are designed to improve confidence and wellbeing, while also uplifting the communities we serve.
SKILLS FOr LIFE
Our courses provide essential skills for both life and work, covering areas such as English & maths, ESOL, and Digital Skills. employment
Our courses offer extensive support for employment, equipping you with the skills and resources to effectively navigate and succeed in the job market.
Professional enhancement
These training opportunities are tailored for professional enhancement, aimed at expanding your career possibilities through the development of specialised skills and advanced knowledge.
DISTANCE LEARNING
GAIN A FREE QUALIFICATION WITHOUT DISRUPTING YOUR DAY-TO-DAY LIFE
Levels Explained
Our FREE online Distance Learning Courses give you the opportunity to further your education by gaining skills, knowledge and a certified qualification.
Provided you are over 19 and have lived in the UK for the past 3 years, all of our Level 2 courses are free.
Each course lasts for up to 16 weeks and can be started at any time throughout the year. They can be completed online at times to suit you with access to specialist support from dedicated tutors throughout the programme.
Unlock your potential with our exciting range of free online courses for adults.
We offer Distance Learning courses for the following subjects:
ā¢ Adult Care Services
ā¢ Business & Admin
ā¢ Childcare
ā¢ Digital
ā¢ Employment & Wellbeing
ā¢ Green Skills
MORE INFORMATION
See our full list of courses by scanning the QR code or by searching āDistance Learning Coursesā on our website.
We are committed to supporting your progression to the next level of study with us. We can support you to progress all the way from Level 1 up to Level 5.
entry level
Entry level courses in ESOL, Adult English and maths, and Pre-employment are designed to build confidence and foundational skills for further education or employment.
LEVEL 1
EQUIVALENT LEVEL (3-1)
Level 1 qualifications include GCSEs at grades 3-1 (D-G), NVQs, and Functional Skills. These courses focus on developing basic skills and knowledge, providing a solid foundation for further education or entry-level employment. They are ideal for those starting their educational journey or needing to build confidence in key subjects.
LEVEL 3
EQUIVALENT LEVEL
A LEVELS
Level 3 qualifications include Access, A levels, BTEC Nationals NVQs, CMI and CPCAB. These courses provide in-depth knowledge and skills, preparing you for higher education or advanced apprenticeships. They are essential for those aiming to progress to university or gain higher-level vocational qualifications.
Level 4/5
EQUIVALENT LEVEL
The Bedford Learning Centre
Whether youāre completely new to computers or want to brush up your existing IT skills, weāre sure to have a course that suits you.
Our Bedford Learning Centre is a professional Adult learning environment located in Bedford town centre.
In todayās digital age, IT skills are crucial for both employability and everyday life. Proficiency in information technology enhances job prospects, as employers across all industries seek individuals who can navigate digital tools and software efficiently.
Beyond the workplace, IT skills enable individuals to manage personal finances, communicate effectively, and access a wealth of information and services online.
As long as you are over 19, have lived in the UK for the past 3 years and can commit to 4 hours study each week, then all of your training is absolutely FREE.
If youād like to study with us, pop in to see us or contact us using the following information:
bedford.ac.uk
Where to find us
BEDFORD LEARNING CENTRE
88 High Street, Bedford, MK40 1NN 01234 291832
bedfordlearningcentre@bedford.ac.uk
Why choose The Learning Centre?
Iām overjoyed to have received this award; it means so much to me. I couldnāt have achieved it without the incredible support from everyone at the Learning Centre in Kettering. The staff go above and beyond to create a safe, welcoming environment where learning is genuinely enjoyable. Theyāre dedicated to helping every student succeed in their chosen path.
Carole Warnes Student at the Learning Centre Kettering and recipient of the College Ambassador of the Year award.
The staff go above and beyond.
Transform your future
Professional Courses
Our professional adult courses are level 4 and 5 qualifications, that aim to provide you with the specialist skills you need to move on in your existing career or make the jump to something new.
We offer a range of day or evening classes, the course you choose can live alongside your life, and work around your work.
The Bedford College Group offers Skills Bootcamps, flexible and intensive training programmes designed to equip you with in-demand skills that employers value.
These programmes provide a direct pathway to employment, career progression, or transitioning into new industries.
Skills Bootcamps:
Government-funded training programmes designed to help adults gain the skills needed to secure a job, progress in their current role, or move into a new industry.
These short, flexible courses are tailored to meet local employer needs, ensuring participants are job-ready upon completion.
ā¢ open to adults aged 19+
ā¢ no prior experience required for many courses
ā¢ must be looking for career progression or a change in career direction
ā¢ fully funded if you are unemployed or if employed contribution of 10% (SMEs) or 30% payable at the start of your Skills Bootcamp READY TO GAIN JOB-READY SKILLS AND TAKE YOUR CAREER TO THE NEXT LEVEL?
Expert-Led Training: Learn from industry professionals with hands-on experience.
Flexible Learning Options: Evening and weekend sessions available.
Industry-Relevant Curriculum: Stay ahead with courses designed in partnership with local employers.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry leaders and potential employers.
Free or Subsidised Costs: Government funding covers the majority or all of the tuition fees.
Scan here to explore our professional courses
Commercial Courses
If youāre currently employed but looking to enhance your abilities in your trade, or further your knowledge of your industry, our part-time commercial CPD courses could be perfect for you. These professional development qualifications will allow you to increase your skills, knowledge and self-awareness in a wide range of industries alongside your full-time job. Theyāre also perfect for businesses and employers looking for cost-effective training solutions for their staff, as we offer certifications in compliance and technical areas.
If youād like to enquire about our bespoke packages or discuss all things professional development, you can also contact us directly on 01234 291747 or training@bedford.ac.uk.
We currently offer commercial CPD courses in the following subjects:
Alongside these courses, we also offer bespoke training packages for local businesses looking to upskill their staff.
To explore our full offering of professional development courses, scan the qr code.
Higher Skills
(University-Level)
We offer a wide range of Level 4 and above courses at Bedford College, including HNCs, HNDs, HTQs, Foundation degrees and Top-Ups. Our Higher Skills courses provide the opportunity to gain qualifications, boost career prospects, or retrain for work.
Teacher Education
We offer the Certificate in Education (Cert Ed) at Level 5 and Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (ProfGCE) at Level 6, and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at Level 7, which are designed to build your teaching skills if youāre looking to begin or develop your teaching career within post-compulsory education.
Our Cert Ed and PGCE courses take one or two years to complete depending on the study route you choose. The courses are mapped to the Professional Standards and successful completion will allow you to become a fully qualified teacher for FE and Skills.
Why Study Higher Skills?
Scan the QR code for more information
Save money by studying closer to home
Gain the skills youāll need to progress in your career
Smaller classrooms mean more 1:1 support
Learn from industry experienced tutors
In subjects including:
Art & Design
We also offer a Level 5 Certificate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in Coaching and Mentoring Practice. This is a course that can be completed after the teaching qualification for those that go on to perform coaching or mentoring roles. This course is delivered on a part-time basis via classroom learning, distance learning or through a combination of both, and takes a year to complete.
Become a fully qualified teacher within 1 or 2 years
HIGHER Apprenticeships
We offer Higher Apprenticeships in the following area:
ā¢ Business & Management
ā¢ Construction
ā¢ Engineering
HIGHER TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS
GAIN SPECIALIST TECHNICAL SKILLS THAT EMPLOYERS WANT
SCAN THE QR CODE TO FIND OUT MORE
Higher Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to study towards a high-level qualification, the equivalent of a Foundation Degree or a Bachelorās Degree, whilst working.
To start a Higher Apprenticeship, you will need to have Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels, an Advanced Level Diploma, NVQ Level 3 or an Advanced Apprenticeship.
We are the largest provider of Apprenticeships in Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire, training over 1,350 apprentices last year and working with over 750 employers.
8990 for a copy
DISCLAIMER: While every effort is made to ensure that the information within this prospectus is correct at the time of printing, some details may be subject to change. The Bedford College Group reserves the right to make amendments to the study programmes, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if student numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course, we will refund any fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.