Bedford Learning Centre

An Achievers Evening at Bedford Learning Centre on 20 January celebrated the success of students who have achieved IT qualifications, boosting their CVs, career opportunities and confidence.

Part of Bedford College, the Bedford Learning Centre was set up in 2001 and has helped over 6,000 local people to develop their IT skills, knowledge and understanding to help ensure they get the best from their computers.

Pauline Woodward, manager of the Bedford Learning Centre, congratulated achievers and said:

“We are all here to celebrate your success and are proud to have been part of that success. We are aware it is often a real juggling act to fit study around your other commitments. Well done to everyone who has achieved success at the Bedford Learning Centre.”

Bedford Learning Centre is an important part of Bedford College's success and this year has been outstanding. In January Bedford College achieved outstanding Ofsted, in June Beacon status and in August Shuttleworth College became part of Bedford College.  

As part of Bedford College, the Learning Centres are fully equipped IT centres set up on the doorsteps of local people in Bedford, Luton and Rushden. They offer people from all cultural backgrounds, abilities and ages the chance to tap into IT courses to improve their skills and life or career opportunities.  

With over 550 people currently studying across all three Learning Centres, a variety of courses are on offer including Literacy and Numeracy, Introduction to Computers ITQ (Level 2 qualification) and short courses including Web Design and Photo Editing.  

Students who achieved success included:

Pete Martin

Pete returned to Bedford after living in Canada and Australia for the last 4 years and wanted to upgrade his IT skills.

He explained: “I am trying to find a job in Marketing/Advertising/Sales and wanted to strengthen my CV with a sound knowledge of IT to meet the demands of job descriptions.

“Recently I've been working in Peterborough advertising a new walk-in centre and definitely got that job as a result of the training at the Bedford Learning Centre.

“The flexibility of study here was really helpful as it fitted in with work patterns. It was tough but worth it.”

Charles Stallard

After successfully achieving NVQ 2, Charles is considering going on to study further at Level 3.

He said: “This is unlike any training courses I have undertaken before - it's so much better.  The flexibility of being able to come in for 2 hour sessions when it suits you is extremely helpful.  I've also completed some project work at home and that fits in well with other commitments.

"My wife and I joined the Bedford Learning Centre after seeing a leaflet and attending a free session.  We have both achieved success and are delighted we decided to come here.

"As a bus driver, I don't need the IT skills for my job but am already using them in clubs and organisations I belong to at work and church."

Kayleigh Cook

Kayleigh sees the Bedford Learning Centre as a stepping stone into web design and plans to study further at Bedford College.

She will be using her new skills to design a website for the shop where she works and sees internet shopping as vital to businesses today.

Kayleigh explained that the flexible study plans and 1:1 assistance from tutors was of great benefit, especially as she is dyslexic, and she added:

“The tutors take time to explain and are really helpful -  I am trying to persuade friends to come along and study here. I noticed the Bedford Learning Centre from the High Street and came along to the Open Day - I haven't looked back since.”

David Crumlin

David decided to upgrade his skills and gain an IT qualification after being made redundant. He explained: “I have enjoyed studying at the Bedford Learning Centre and it came at the right time for me. The flexibility of study here has been really helpful, along with the tutors who always find time to explain when needed. I have now retired but the skills I have learnt here are really useful.  

“I would definitely tell anyone to come along and find out themselves how the Bedford Learning Centre can help them.”

David Farmer was delighted to win a laptop in a prize draw, and Brenda Griffiths thrilled to win books in an IT quiz competition, sponsored by Bright Learning Solutions, who assist Bedford College in running the Learning Centres.