Courses

Computer Courses

Our computer courses are specially designed to cover every level of computer skills. So you can start at the right level for you and progress as far as you want.

New to Computers

For those who have never used a computer or the internet before, our 'new to computers' range is a great way to get to grips with the basics. These courses use games and activities to help you learn new skills and open the door to the world of I.T:

Switch On

Surf.direct

Introducing Computers

Find out how computers work, what they can do and how to use them properly. These courses will help you learn how to work with icons, windows and menus. Courses include:

Using Your Computer

Create, Manage & Integrate Files

Introducing Computers

Word Processing

Having word processing skills is a great benefit at home and in the workplace. These courses will introduce you to word processing software packages and help you to learn how to produce, edit and format word processed documents so you can write letters, create CVs and produce documents using pictures.

Spreadsheets

Our spreadsheet courses will help you create your own spreadsheets and graphs, enter and work with numbers, as well as using functions to work out calculations.

Databases

Databases are a great way to organise and retrieve information. These courses will introduce you to the basics and show you how to design your own database using specific software packages.

Presentations

These courses will give you the basic skills you need to create professional looking presentations. You will also learn how to use a slide show effect, insert images and print presentations.

Electronic Communications and the Internet

Whether you're at home or in the workplace, being able to communicate electronically is an essentail skill. Our electronic communication courses will help you further your knowledge and use of the internet and teach you how to use email.

Desktop Publishing

Whether you want to learn the basics or brush up on existing skills, our desktop publishing courses can help. Learn how to format text, define style sheets and import graphics as well as receiving help on good design practices.

Web Publishing

In the age of the internet, these courses will help you develop basic skills in planning creating and printing web pages complete with text and graphics.

Getting to Grips with the Basics

Our first level of courses is our I.T 1 range. Thesee courses help you develop your computer skills and knowledge further by introducing you to different software packages and show you how they can be applied in everyday life. I.T 1 courses also give you the opportunity to work towards the new CLAIT (computer literacy and information technology) qualification.

Gaining a Good Working Knowledge

There are two further levels which we refer to I.T 2 and I.T 3. These ranges help you extend your skills. I.T 2 courses can help you gain the ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence), an internationally recognised qualification that proves your skills to employers. I.T 2 courses also support other qualifications, including CLAIT Plus (the next level up from New Clait and MOS (Microsoft Office Specialist).

	City & Guilds e-Quals Spreadsheets, database, internet, e-mail, Desk Top Publishing, presentation graphics [IT principles = core] choose any 2 with the core unit to gain a full City & Guilds qualification.
	New CLAIT Word Processing, spreadsheets, database, presentation graphics, using your computer.
	ECDL Version 4 Part 1 consists of basic concepts of IT, using a computer and managing files, information and communication. Part 2 consists of Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Databases, Presentation Graphics, Unit E - Using IT.

Skills for Life

Would you like to:

Get a Maths or English qualification
Improve your word and/or number skills?
Help your children with their homework?
Feel more comfortable filing in forms and sorting out money?
Become more confident at work?
Our FREE* word and number skills courses can help you.

And once you’ve improved your word and number skills, you might want to show what you have learnt by getting a Maths or english qualification. Certificates in Adult Numeracy and Literacy are available at all our Learning Centres – they are nationally recognised qualifications measuring skills up to the same level as GCSE’s.

Skills for Life - MathsMaths Courses

Specially designed for people who want to improve their maths, this range of courses lets you learn in an interesting and relevant way. Develop your skills in percentages, fractions, measurements and much more.

Number Tasters

As a quick taster course, Number Tasters lets you try out computer based learning before you pick a course. You can see how enjoyable it is to learn with learndirect, while at the same time practicing your maths skills.

Number Skills Check

This is an easy way to check the skills you already have and see which ones you need to improve. It gives you a great idea of what computer-based learning is like.
Once completed it will also help you choose the courses that are right for you, It covers a range of topics and will show the learning you need to do before getting a qualification.

Numbers Direct

Numbers Direct helps you develop the maths skills you use in everyday life. You can pick-and-mix the sections choosing the parts that will help you and leaving out the parts you are already good at. Its up to you whether you do the whole course or just pick from the topics on offer. Just some of the areas covered on the course are fractions, decimals and percentages.

Using Percentages

Using percentages helps you get to grips with percentages, fractions and ratios through a range of real life scenarios. There are several different levels to this course.

Measuring Up

The course is a great way to brush up on your measuring skills. You will learn how to measure and calculate capacity, weight , length, time, area, volume and temperature. These skills could really help you at work. Whether you are a carer who needs to take a patients temperature, or a chef who needs to weigh ingredients accurately, this course gives you all the measuring skills you need.

The Numbers Game

The numbers game lets you put the number skills you’ve learnt into practical situations, such as working out your shopping bill. You’ll watch a video which sets puzzles and exercises and shows you how your new skills can be used in real life.

Cash Crescent

Cash crescent is a course designed to help you manage your money. By helping the residents of Cash Crescent tackle every day financial problems you’ll improve your own number sills. You’ll learn how to get value for money at the shops, how to open and manage a bank account, how to use credit cards, value your house, apply for a loan (including how to work out the APR), calculate wages and much more.

Cash Crescent Next Steps

This is the second course in the Cash Crescent series. Like the first, the residents tackle everyday financial problems such as how to build up a nest egg for the kids and how to choose the right mortgage.
This next steps course also covers income tax, insurance policies and pension options.

Skills for Life - English

English Courses
Our range of courses are designed to help you improve your understanding of written and spoken English for everyday use. You’ll learn about reading, writing and spelling as well as listening and speaking.

Word Skills Check

This is an easy way to check the skills you already have and see which ones you need to improve. It gives you a great idea of what computer based learning is like.
Once completed it will also help you and your tutor choose the courses that are right for you. It covers a range of topics and will show the learning you need to do before getting the qualification.

A Way with Words

A Way with Words helps you develop the reading a writing skills you use on daily basis. It gives you practical assistance through a range of exercises. There are a number of levels and different sections , so you can pick and choose the parts which are right for you, depending on your ability.

The courses will help you develop :

Speaking and listening skills – including exercises which help you think about body language, giving clear instructions and getting involved in group discussions.
Writing skills – using colons, apostrophes and thinking about structure and style.
Reading skills – from basic understanding of everyday signs through to reading technical text and making summaries of long passages.

Spellers

This is the perfect course of you find spelling tricky. It will guide you through the basic rules of spelling and help you improve your written English. Based in a department store, the course allows you to wander through the different departments, practicing your spelling as you go.

Spelling it Out

Spelling it out takes a close look at spelling. It gives you hints and tips on how to improve your own spelling, how to spot mistakes and how to remember difficult words, which may be helpful in the workplace.

Checkpoint

Checkpoint is a quick and simple way to practice and improve punctuation skills. It’s a fun course and provides clear rules that you’ll be able to apply to all your writing. You’ll learn to:

Use capital letters, full stops, question marks and exclamation marks correctly
Group sentences into paragraphs
Use colons and semi colons
Use dashes and hyphens
Use commas in lists and in sentences
Use apostrophes correctly

There is also a printable rule book so you’ll never forget what you’ve learnt.

Better Letters

Complete this course and you will be able to write effective letters. The Better Letters course works alongside Microsoft word to help improve your letter writing skills. You’ll tackle both formal letters such as job applications and informal letters to friends. You’ll also be shown how to use email.

Living room

With Living Room you can try out learning before you choose a course. Set in a Virtual living room, you can improve the design of the room by changing wallpaper and furniture and putting up shelves. These tasks will give you good practice in listening to and following instructions.

Word On the Street

In this video the presenter gets himself into some fast moving, fast talking fixes in the street – its up to you to sort them out.

English for Speakers of Other Languages

TBG Learning contribute significantly to the local community, providing English Language learning for beginners up to intermediate levels.

If English isn't your first language our ESOL courses can give you a better understanding of both written and spoken English. Once you have completed a course, you'll be more comfortable handling everyday situations such as dealing with employers, doctors or even just socialising.

English Skills Check

You can take a Skills Check to find out how much you know and what you need to learn.

Welcome to English

Welcome to English will help you practise the kind of English you use in everyday situations; greeting people, dealing with your child's school, shopping, seeing the doctor and getting around. On-screen activities are designed to increase your confidence and fluency in English.

Going Up

Going Up can help you with speaking and understanding everyday English. There are video clips of real people using English in real situations, so you can learn and then practise words and phrases that will help you communicate.

The English Game

A video and workbook help you improve your everyday English by playing along with a TV game show. The English Game helps you find the right words to use in every situation - at home or work, travelling and talking to friends, even doctor's appointments.

Ellis

Ellis is an excellent way of learning English. This computer based course uses video clips showing everyday situations such as meeting people, shopping, finding somewhere to live, visiting the doctor's and going to job interviews to help you learn. You will practice speaking English by recording your own voice and listening to words and phrases which will also help you learn correct grammar, pronunciation and improve your vocabulary, help is available in 26 different languages.

Understand simple spoken English
Ask and answer questions
Follow instructions
Give information
Use punctuation
Speak clearly
Recognise clear words and sentences

For more information on ESOL, please click on the following PDF link.

English for Speakers of Other Languages

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Are you 16-18 looking to improve your skills and gain employment?

Maybe you didn’t do as well as you expected in your exams? Or just not sure what to do next? TBG Learning’s Entry 2 Employment (e2e) programme is specifically for 16- 18 year olds who are not currently in education, training or employment.

When you join e2e we will work with you to help you achieve:

Entry on an Apprenticeship programme
A place at college
A job with training

You will receive lots of individual help and support to help you reach your goal and a chance to make new friends and improve your skills at the same time.

Do I receive an allowance while on e2e?

You could be eligible for Education Maintenance Allowance. EMA payments are £30.00, £20.00 or £10.00 per week. The exact amount you will receive will depend on your household income. EMA will be paid directly into your bank account and bonuses are also paid when you achieve and progress on the programme.

How long can I stay on the course?

Usually you can stay for around 22 weeks, you may however need a few weeks more or a few weeks less. You will monitor your length of time with your Tutor.

We will develop a programme for you based on your requirements.

Job search techniques including creating a CV, letter writing and interview skills
A range of computer courses from beginners to advanced
Improve your Maths and English skills and gain qualifications which are equivalent to GCSE grades
Supporting your long term career prospects through a wide range of vocational training available through NVQ’s and Apprenticeships
Paid work experience and placement opportunities available with local employers

What To Do Next?

Contact you're nearest TBG Learning Centre, which offers e2e

Gain a Free Online Qualification in Maths & English

You can gain so much with a certificate in adult literacy or numeracy. It's a nationally recognised qualification, looks great on job application forms and can help you to go on to gain more qualifications. It can give you more confidence too.

There are four, nationally recognised certificates in adult numeracy and literacy available:

Certificate in adult numeracy - level 1 or 2
Certificate in adult literacy - level 1 or 2

Skills are measured at the same level as other national qualifications.

Certificates in Adult Numeracy and Literacy	Key Skills Qualification	GCSE	GNVQ	NVQ
Level 1	Level 1	D - C Grade	Foundation	Level 1
Level 2	Level 2	A - C Grade	Intermediate	Level 2

Getting a certificate

Taking a test in a TBG Learning centre is nothing like sitting an exam at school. Your'll take the test in the familiar and friendly surroundings of your local TBG Learndirect Centre where staff will be on hand to give you lots of encouragement and support. Your test will consist of just 40 multiple choice questions and only takes between 60 & 70 minutes to complete. Many people take the test on a computer - it's free interactive and colourful. To give you added confidence you can do our preparing for testing course before taking the test. this lets you practise until you feel ready to go for the real thing. It's also free - just like the test itself.

So what's the next step?

Simple - just call in at your local TBG centre and talk with our friendly staff, they'll be happy to answer your questions and help you choose the right course for you.

The European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL)

ECDL is the internationally recognised qualification, which enables people to demonstrate their competence in computer skills. The record breaking ECDL is the fastest growing IT user qualification in over 125 countries. ECDL is designed specifically for those who wish to gain a benchmark qualification in computing to enable them to develop their IT skills and enhance their career prospects. The ECDL syllabus is designed to cover the key concepts of computing, its practical applications and their use in the workplace and society.

The ECDL V4 is now split into two parts, Part 1 - Level 1 and Part 2 - Level 2

Course Content

British Computer Society (BCS) Level 1 Certificate for IT users (ECDL Part 1) consists of:

Basic concepts of IT
Using a computer and managing files
Information and communication

British Computer Society (BCS) Level 2 Certificate for IT users (ECDL Part 2) consists of:

Word Processing
Spreadsheets
Databases
Presentation Graphics
Unit E - using IT

Benefits of Taking ECDL

Raise your level of competency in IT and computer skills
Improves your productivity at home and work
Provides you with a worldwide recognised qualification
ECDL benefits employers in its precise definition of a job applicant's or employee's skills.

For further details of the ECDL qualification click on the link below, phone us or call in to you're nearest TBG Learning centre.

ECDL Leaflet

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