Get into work
Free part-time courses to help you get started on your route to employment.
NESCol has a suite of fully funded part-time courses for people who live in the Aberdeen City local authority area. These courses aim to help you get started on your journey to employment. Whether you have a specific industry in mind or are still exploring your options, we provide essential skills to support any job application.
Courses
Our courses are designed to support those who need to build self-confidence and develop employability skills before that next step.
How to book
To register your interest in any of the courses, please contact us at employability@nescol.ac.uk.
Eligibility Criteria
ABZ Works will check and verify if those who apply are eligible. To be eligible for these courses you must:
- Be a resident in Aberdeen
- Be aged between 16 and 67
- Be unemployed or underemployed
- Not be in education
Computing Essentials (Beginners)
Taught face-to-face in small groups, this course is designed to introduce you to essential computing skills.
This beginner’s level course will cover:
- The fundamentals of your computer Windows system
- Easy ways to organise files and folders
- Simple keyboard and mouse skills
- Internet fundamentals and effective web searching
- How to keep your files safe and secure
The course can be tailored to suit the needs of learners.
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be awarded a College Certificate in Computing Essentials (Beginners).
Location: City Campus
Duration: 8 weeks
Dates: 12 May 2025 – 30 June 2025
Time: Monday 1pm-3.30pm
International Certification of Digital Literacy (ICDL)
Taught face-to-face in small groups, this course will help you gain an internationally recognised computer skills qualification.
ICDL (formerly ECDL) is widely recognised by employers as proof of skills and ability when working with IT.
The qualification covers:
- Computer basics, internet and email
- Microsoft packages: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access
- File management and online safety
- The opportunity to demonstrate your skills through practical tests
- How to boost your CV with employability skills
Upon achievement of module assessments, learners will be awarded a British Computer Society (BCS) qualification.
Location: City Campus
Duration: 16 weeks
Dates: 15 May 2025 – 3 October 2025
Time: Thursday & Friday, 10am – 12.30pm
Please note: This course will continue to run during the summer holidays
Studying at NESCol
As a student at NESCol, you can make use of the Student Advice Centre who can give information, advice and referrals to make sure you make the most of your time with us.
You will also be supported by the Students’ Association who are available on campus to discuss any issues you would like to raise.
National Union of Students in partnership with TOTUM promote a student card which can be purchased by any full-time, part-time or distance learning student. This provides access to a massive savings in over 200 shops, leisure activities and restaurants.
Get in touch
If you would like more information, please email employability@nescol.ac.uk.