Wokingham

Adult learners from Gorse Ride estate in Finchampstead, Wokingham have been discovering a world of learning opportunities this autumn, with a series of learning taster sessions. As they complete the final sessions this week, the learners’ achievements will be recognised at a presentation ceremony where they will receive a certificate from Wokingham District Council chairman Cllr Angus Ross.

Starting in September 2006, the course offered an introduction to skills that could be used to set up and run a home-based beauty business. The seven Gorse Ride residents attended a series of taster sessions in nail care and beauty, along with IT training designed to help them create publicity materials.

The programme was set up as a joint initiative between Wokingham District Council’s lifelong learning team, the local community development worker, and the Bracknell and Wokingham College community development team, with guidance from the Gorse Ride Multi-Agency Steering Group. The team worked closely with local residents to identify what skills they were interested in learning.

The learners will attend their final session on November 21 at the Parish Centre at the Church of St Mary and St John. A special presentation ceremony will be held immediately after the session at 12 noon, with all seven learners receiving a certificate of attendance from Wokingham District Council chairman Cllr Angus Ross in recognition of their achievements.

Wokingham District Council