Hundreds of people have signed up for a Cumbrian college’s online education programme since the start of the lockdown.

Lakes College has seen more than 600 adults sign up for its free distance learning courses over the past 12 weeks, and is encouraging people from around the county to see if they can benefit from the programme.

Sharon Rogers, director of apprenticeships and training at Lakes College in Lillyhall, near Workington, said: “We currently offer more than 40 adult distance learning courses, covering everything from team leading to counselling and from data protection to dementia care.

“They are a good way to improve your job prospects and gain a nationally recognised qualification, which can help you progress at work. Many learners will also continue onto other training such as an apprenticeship.

“An online course is a good use of any spare time at home, and you will have access to a qualified assessor who will support you and provide feedback.

“The courses have proved to be a good option for local employers too. Our advisers have been working with a number of firms who have been using the distance learning courses to develop the skills of their staff.

“We discuss their organisation’s training needs and then help their employees start on the most relevant qualification.”

People who are still locked down or on furlough can learn new skills during this increased time at home, but even those in full-time employment can find a course that will improve their career prospects.

The courses are flexible so students can fit them around their regular commitments, with courses typically taking 10 to 15 hours to complete.

Lakes College’s distance learning courses are provided under the Government’s Adult Education Budget and are free to anyone over 19, subject to eligibility checks.

The courses lead to Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications, and include team leading, lean organisation management techniques, customer service, business admin, data protection and data security, warehousing and storage, retail operations, digital skills, understanding autism and many more.