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Work Skills and Careers

Build Your Future with Work Skills and Careers Courses at Kent Adult Education

At Kent Adult Education, we believe that learning is a lifelong journey - and that journey can lead to new opportunities, greater confidence and a more fulfilling career. Our Work Skills and Careers courses are designed to help you take the next step, whether you're entering the workforce for the first time, returning after a break, changing careers or simply looking to upskill in your current role.

With a wide range of flexible, practical and accessible courses, we support learners from all walks of life. From English and Maths qualifications to Business and IT, Counselling, Languages, Craft and Teaching, our courses are taught by experienced tutors who are passionate about helping you succeed.

Why Choose Kent Adult Education?

  • Flexible learning options: Study in-person at centres across Kent or online from the comfort of your home.
  • Supportive environment: Learn at your own pace and with guidance from expert tutors.
  • Career-focused content: Gain real-world skills that employers value.
  • Recognised qualifications: Work towards GCSEs, Functional Skills and accredited courses.

Explore Our Work Skills and Careers Course Areas

1. Working in Arts Courses

If you're passionate about creativity and want to explore a career in the arts, our Working in Arts courses are the perfect starting point. These courses are designed to help you develop both your artistic skills and your understanding of the creative industries. 

Whether you're interested in photography, printmaking, documentary filmmaking or art and design, you'll gain hands-on experience and insight into how to turn your passion into a profession. These courses are ideal for aspiring artists, freelancers or anyone looking to build a portfolio and explore creative career paths.

2. Business and IT Courses

In today's digital world, strong business and IT skills are essential. Our Business and IT courses cover everything from bookkeeping and accounts to digital skills, Microsoft Office and online communication tools.

Whether you're running a small business, managing a team or looking to improve your employability, these courses will help you build confidence and competence in key areas. Learn how to manage finances, create spreadsheets, write professional emails and use digital platforms effectively.

3. Counselling Courses

If you're drawn to helping others and want to make a difference, our Counselling courses offer a pathway into a rewarding profession. These courses introduce you to the core principles of counselling, including active listening, empathy, confidentiality and professional ethics.

You'll explore different counselling approaches and develop the interpersonal skills needed to support others. Many of our learners go on to pursue careers in counselling, mental health or social care.

4. Courses for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

Our ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses are designed to help non-native English speakers improve their language skills for everyday life, work and further study in the UK.

Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your grammar, speaking, listening, reading or writing, we offer courses at all levels. You'll gain the confidence to communicate effectively in the workplace, access services and participate fully in your community.

5. Craft Courses with a Career Focus

If you're a maker at heart and dream of turning your hobby into a business, our Working in Craft courses are for you. These hands-on courses cover a wide range of disciplines, including ceramics, jewellery making, bookbinding, garment construction and more. 

Led by expert tutors, these courses combine creativity with practical business insights - helping you understand how to price your work, market your products and build a brand. Whether you want to sell your products online, exhibit at craft fairs, or launch your own studio, we'll help you get started.

6. English and Maths - GCSE and Functional Skills

Strong literacy and numeracy skills are the foundation of success in any career. Our English and Maths courses include both GCSEs and Functional Skills qualifications, designed to suit learners at different levels.

  • Functional Skills courses are ideal for adults who want to improve their everyday English and Maths for work or life.
  • GCSE courses are perfect for those who need a formal qualification to progress in education or employment.

These courses are often free (subject to eligibility) and come with personalised support to help you succeed, even if you have been out of education for a while.

7. Languages and Communication Courses

In an increasingly globalised world, the ability to speak another language is a valuable asset. Our Languages and Communication courses help you build fluency and cultural understanding for both personal and professional use.

Choose from languages such as French, German, Italian and British Sign Language (BSL). Many of our courses focus on workplace communication, making them ideal for those working in international business, hospitality or customer service.

8. Writing Courses

If you have a way with words or want to develop your communication skills, our Writing courses offer a creative and practical outlet. Learn how to write compelling content for blogs, websites or marketing materials - or explore creative writing, journalism and storytelling.

These courses are perfect for aspiring writers, content creators or professionals who want to improve their written communication for work.

9. Work Skills Courses

Our Work Skills courses are designed to help you build the essential skills needed to thrive in the modern workplace. Topics include:

  • CV writing and interview preparation
  • Teamwork and communication skills
  • Time management and problem-solving
  • Digital literacy and online safety

These courses are ideal for jobseekers, career changers or anyone looking to boost their employability. We also offer Family Learning Work Skills courses to help parents and carers gain confidence and skills for the workplace.

10. Teaching Courses

If you're passionate about education and want to work with children or young people, our Teaching courses provide a recognised route into the classroom. 

  • The Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner prepares you to work with children aged 0-5 in nurseries, preschools or early years settings.
  • The Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools qualifies you to work as a teaching assistant in primary or secondary schools.

These courses combine theory with practical experience and are ideal for those looking to start or progress a career in education.

Take the Next Step with Kent Adult Education

Whether you're looking to gain qualifications, explore a new career or simply build your confidence, our Work Skills and Careers courses are here to support you. With expert tutors, flexible learning options and a wide range of subjects, we make it easy to invest in your future. Explore our full course catalogue today and find the right course for your goals. Your next opportunity starts here.

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Functional Skills English (L1/L2)

ONL/151302/Q/FF Location: Delivered online Course hours: 54 hours

This course has started, but it may still be possible to join it. Please call 03000 41 22 22 and ask to be put through to the Centre where the course is running

Preparation for AQA GCSE English language 2026

ONL/150844/Q/FF Location: Delivered online Course hours: 4 hours

Response: Moving On

SIT/151186/Q/PF Location: HMP Swaleside, Isle of Sheppey Course hours: 3 hours 30 minutes

Everyday English and maths

ASH/151993/Q/FF Location: Ashford Gateway (KAE), Ashford Course hours: 102 hours

Independent Living Skills

ASH/151399/Q/PF Location: Homewood School, Tenterden Course hours: 102 hours

Everyday English and maths

ASH/151992/Q/FF Location: Ashford Gateway (KAE), Ashford Course hours: 102 hours
Price: FREE Concessions

Only 2 places remaining

Independent Living Skills

ASH/151995/Q/PF Location: Ashford Gateway (KAE), Ashford Course hours: 102 hours
Price: £541.00 Concessions

Only 3 places remaining

Italian - Steps to Conversation

ONL/150928/Q/PF Location: Delivered online Course hours: 14 hours

Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace

ONL/151443/Q/PF Location: Delivered online Course hours: 1 hour 45 minutes

Functional Skills Maths (L1/L2)

ONL/151738/Q/FF Location: Delivered online Course hours: 35 hours
Price: FREE Concessions

Only 1 place remaining