Thousands of people in Staffordshire continue to learn new skills and improve their lives thanks to the county’s Community Learning Service.
The service helps adults who face barriers to accessing mainstream education, allowing them to build their confidence, improve wellbeing and progress towards employment and further learning.
There have been over 2000 sign-ups to courses so far this academic year. Courses are delivered in over 30 community venues, online and through outreach activities, with a 99% pass rate. 99% of learners would recommend the service to family and friends.
The service has also made significant progress in reaching underrepresented groups. Sixty-five percent of learners had not engaged in education for more than three years, and half reported having a learning difficulty, disability or long-term mental health condition.
Innovation has played a key role in the service’s success. Courses now include critical thinking and AI literacy, helping learners prepare for modern workplaces and stay safe online. Building on the previous success of Multiply maths courses, 2026 has seen emphasis on reading skills to support the nationwide Year of Reading 2026 campaign.
Robin Hall, Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“Skills change lives. Our Community Learning Service is helping people across Staffordshire build confidence, gain new skills and take steps towards work, further education and greater independence.
Many learners come to us having faced barriers to education. Seeing them return to learning, develop digital skills, strengthen their critical thinking and grow in confidence is exactly why these programmes matter.
A stronger Staffordshire starts with giving people the opportunity to reach their potential, and that’s what this service delivers every day.”
The Community Learning Accountability Agreement for 2026/27 sets out how the council will deliver flexible learning, including new Skills Bootcamps. Skills Bootcamps allow individuals and employers to develop valuable, sector specific skills.
The report will be discussed at the next meeting of the council’s Cabinet on Wednesday 17 June.
People can find courses at county council’s website here.
