Cumbria Adult Learning

Skills Bridge

Cumbria Adult Learning is piloting an exciting new skills programme countywide to support local businesses training employed staff and those looking for employment throughout Westmorland and Furness and Cumberland Council areas.  

"Skills Bridge" is a package of free, bespoke, training for businesses, supporting workforce excellence.

A healthy, fully trained workplace is one in which staff and managers collaborate to use a continual improvement process to protect and promote the health, safety and wellbeing of workers and the sustainability of the business.

We deliver free, accredited, onsite courses for staff.   All learners will receive nationally recognised accreditation.  Courses include Mental Health & Wellbeing, Health and Safety, Equality & Diversity and Safeguarding.  We also offer English, Maths and ICT provision. 

Businesses that we have recently engaged with include Pirelli, Windermere Marina, Windermere Lakes Cruises and The Everbright Hotel Group among many others. Feedback from employers regarding The Skills Bridge training has been phenomenal: ‘We are now rethinking the way we work, and are definitely thinking of more training through Cumbria Adult Learning’

For more information please contract by email Victoria.emmett@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk or telephone 07827 282198.

Skills Bridge Logo

Free personal development courses

Why do employees need personal development courses?

  • Helps employees gain new skills or improve existing ones, making them more effective in their roles
  • Personal development opens pathways for promotions and new responsibilities
  • Builds confidence and motivation to pursue long-term career goals
  • When employees feel they are growing, they are more engaged and satisfied
  • Reduces turnover and fosters loyalty.

How can we help?  

Free, half day personal development courses:

  • Team Building and Problem Solving
  • Confident Communication
  • Building Collaborative Teams

 

Free mental health and wellbeing courses

Why do employees need good mental health?

  • Poor mental health costs UK employers £33-42 billion per year
  • £8 billion is due to sickness absence
  • The cost of mental health problems is estimated to be about £335 per employee per year.

A healthy workplace is one in which workers and managers collaborate to use a continual improvement process to protect and promote the health, safety and wellbeing of workers and the sustainability of the business.

How can we help?

Delivery of a free one-day, face to face, accredited health and wellbeing awareness course for staff. All learners will receive free accreditation and certification.


Further, free, accredited mental health and wellbeing courses are available: 

  • Mental Health and Wellbeing Level 1
  • Award in the Importance of Resilience and Grit Entry Level 3 - Level 1
  • Award in Personal Health and Wellbeing Level 1

Identify Mental Health ‘First Aiders’ within the team to undertake further, free, online training.

Free health and social care courses

Why do employees need health and social care qualifications?

  • These courses teach staff the principles of dignity, respect, and person-centred care, which are essential in health and social care settings
  • Ensures compliance with national care standards and regulations
  • Employees learn how to protect individuals from harm, abuse, and neglect
  • Training covers recognising warning signs and reporting procedures

How can we help?

  • Delivery of a free Certificate in Health and Care Entry Level 3 - Level 2
  • Award in Infection Control and Prevention

Free health and safety, food safety and equality and diversity courses

Why do employee’s need health and safety and food safety courses?

  • Health and Safety training reduces workplace accidents, injuries, and illnesses
  • Food Safety training prevents contamination, foodborne illnesses, and ensures hygienic practices - protecting customers and brand reputation
  • Training helps identify hazards early and implement preventive measures
  • Training reduces insurance claims and liability costs

How can we help?

Delivery of the following free, accredited courses: 

  • Award in Equality and Diversity Entry Level 3
  • Award in Health and Safety Level 1
  • Award in Safeguarding for Work, Education and Life Level 1
  • Award in Food Safety in Catering Level 2

Free ICT courses

Why do employees need good ICT skills?

  • 92% of jobs now require at least one digital skill
  • Upskilling digital competencies helps reduce staff turnover
  • Strong ICT capabilities streamline operations, generate cost savings, and improve decision-making speed
  • A digitally proficient workforce boosts productivity, morale, and retention while improving earning potential

Digital competence is no longer optional - it’s business imperative. Strong ICT skills empower organisations to drive efficiency, accelerate growth, and remain competitive in today’s evolving marketplace.

How can we help?

Delivery of a free one day Excel Spreadsheet course, tailored to your bespoke business needs.

Further, free, accredited ICT courses are available:

  • Essential Digital Skills Qualifications Entry Level 3 - Level  1
  • Award in Digital and IT Skills Levels 1 & 2
  • Cybersecurity Level 1

Free English and maths courses

Why do employees need good English and maths skills?

  • Good English skills ensure employees can read, write, and understand instructions, policies, and emails clearly
  • Improves customer service, teamwork, and reduces misunderstandings
  • Maths skills help with calculations, measurements, and data interpretation
  • Essential for roles involving budgets, stock control, scheduling, or technical task

How can we help?

  • Functional Skills English Entry Level 1 - Level 2
  • Functional Skills Mathematics Entry Level 1 - Level 2
  • Award in Volunteering Level 1
  • ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) - Award in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening from Entry Level 1 - Level 2