2024: Fast forward to your future.
Apply now and start learning something new in January 2024. Our short courses will improve your CV and give you a taster in your favourite subject before you decide to progress further. Choose full time courses which are free for Scottish residents; you’ll receive a bursary for living costs if you’re on a low income. Part time courses will fit around your work, or your job-seeking so your benefits stay unaffected.
Each course lasts 17 weeks so you'll be finished by June.
What can you study?
Scroll down to find out more about the courses and book your place
CECA Civil Engineering SFT
Do you want to be a Civil Engineering Operative in Scotland? Join this short course, made with CECA, and learn by doing! You will visit real sites and meet potential employers. You will also get an NPA in construction operations, and a sure-shot interview. Don’t miss this opportunity to start your career as a qualified worker in the industry.
Where: Campbeltown
When: Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Access to Construction PT
Do you love building things with your hands? Then this course is for you! You will learn Carpentry, Brickwork, Roof Tiling, Painting and Decorating. You will practice in workshops or live projects. You will also explore other careers in construction, such as architects, engineers, and surveyors. This course will prepare you for the Construction Technician profession. Join now and start your journey in the exciting world of construction!
Where: Lochgilphead
When: Mondays all day, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.
Access to Engineering SFT
Are you curious about engineering? Then join this short full-time course and explore the amazing world of engineering! You’ll learn about different types of engineering and what they do. If you complete this course you can move on to the full-time course in September. This is your chance to discover your passion and potential in engineering. No experience needed, just bring your enthusiasm and creativity. Don’t wait, sign up now and start your engineering adventure!
NPA Games Development PT
Do you love playing digital games? Why not make your own? In this NPA Games Development course, you will learn how to plan, design, and create your own games. You will explore different platforms, genres, and media assets. You will use a game development environment to produce a working game. You will also learn how to evaluate, promote, and share your game. This is your chance to unleash your creativity and become a game developer!
Where: All centres
When: Monday and Thursday mornings
NPA Business with IT PT
Do you want to boost your IT and problem-solving skills? Join this NPA Business with IT course and learn how to use software applications for business and administration. You will also discover the challenges and opportunities of the modern business world. This course will prepare you for a successful career in any organisation. Don’t miss this chance to improve your IT and business skills with this course!
Where: All centres
When: Wednesday mornings and Fridays
Access to Further Education SFT
Do you want to start your education journey? Then this course is for you! You will try different subjects and find out what you like. You will also get the qualifications you need to study further. This course is great for school leavers and adults who want to go back to learning. You will have fun and learn a lot. Don’t miss this chance to discover your potential and passion!
Where: All centres
When: Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
NC Beauty Care and Make-up SFT
This fast-track course will help you develop your creative skills in the application of make-up and learn the basics required to carry out treatments such as manicures, pedicures, waxing and body massage. You’ll learn with others in the relaxed atmosphere of our friendly salon and have the support of our expert lecturers every step of the way.
Why not come along to our pamper evening between 4 – 7pm on November 21st to see the salon, experience some treatments and meet staff and students.
Where: Oban
When: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
Make-up Techniques PT
A complete introduction to the appropriate cosmetics for each client’s skin type, and application techniques for day, evening and bridal settings as well as looking at some correctives make up techniques.
Where: Oban
When: Monday mornings
Manicure, Pedicure, Waxing, and Massage PT
A short course introducing body massage techniques, basic waxing skills and nail care, shaping and finishing. Alongside these practical skills you’ll learn about client consultation techniques and the theory which underpins your new skills. Perfect for anyone aiming at a career as a beautician, you'll gain some basic but critical skills
Where: Oban
When: Wednesdays
NC Horticulture SFT
Do you love gardening and want to learn more? Join this course and become a horticulture expert! You will study theory at your local college (Rothesay or Helensburgh) and practice at Hermitage Park or Mount Stuart gardens. You will enjoy the beauty of nature and learn how to grow plants. You will also get ready for a career in horticulture. This course is fun and practical. Don’t wait, sign up now!
Where: Helensburgh or Rothesay
When: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
NC Social Science SFT
Do you want to explore the fascinating world of social sciences? This course will teach you how to understand and compare different societies and cultures. You will learn about Sociology, Psychology and Criminology from theory and practice. This course is perfect for anyone who wants to study social sciences at HNC level or change their career path. Join now and discover the secrets of society!
Where: All Centres
When: Tuesdays, Wednesday mornings, and Thursdays
Introduction to Psychology PT
Psychology is the science of the mind and behaviour. It reveals how our brains work, what drives us, and how we relate to others. You will learn from different perspectives, such as biological, psychodynamic, cognitive, behavioural and social. This course will give you a taste of psychology and prepare you for more advanced studies.
Where: All centres
When: Tuesdays
Introduction to Criminology PT
Criminology is the exciting science of crime and criminals. It explores why people commit crime, how crime affects society, and how to prevent it. You will learn from different fields, such as psychology, biology, statistics, law, and sociology. You will also do practical work to understand and solve crime problems, and to improve the legal and criminal justice system. Criminology is a fascinating and useful way to study human behaviour and society.
Where: All centres
When: Wednesday mornings
Introduction to Sociology PT
Sociology is the exciting study of society and how people interact. It helps you understand the world around you and your place in it. You will learn different sociological theories and how to apply them to various topics, such as class, social inequality, globalisation and the media. You will also learn how to do your own sociological research, and present your findings. Sociology is a great way to learn about yourself and others, and to make a positive change in society.
Where: All centres
When: Thursdays
Access to Care SFT
Do you want to make a difference in people’s lives? Do you want to work in the Care Sector, but don’t know where to start? This course is for you! You will get a taste of various care settings, such as health, social care and childcare. You will also learn some essential skills for studying and working in this field. This course is perfect for anyone who wants to pursue a career in nursing or other care professions.
Where: All centres
When: Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
Introduction to Health and Social Care PT
Health and Social Care is a rewarding and challenging field that can change lives. If you are interested in this career path, this course is for you! You will learn about how people develop and behave, how social services work in Scotland, and how to promote healthy eating in a care setting. This course will give you a glimpse of our full-time Access to Care course and help you decide if this is your calling.
Where: All centres
When: Wednesdays
Social Services, Families and Young People PT
Do you want to learn how to care for families and support their well-being? This course is for you! You will learn about family development, family nutrition, play, family protection, and a safe environment. You will also learn how to prevent and deal with infections, such as HIV and hepatitis. You will gain skills in language, literacy, numeracy, food hygiene, first aid, and social services.
Where: All centres
When: Wednesdays
Care of Children PT
Do you love working with children and want to learn how to support their growth and development? This course is for you! You will learn about child development, child nutrition, play, child protection, and a safe environment. You will also learn how to prevent and deal with infections, such as HIV and hepatitis. You will gain skills in language, literacy, numeracy, food hygiene, first aid, and social services. This course will prepare you for working in a care setting with children.
Where: All centres
When: Thursday mornings
Maritime Skills SFT
Do you dream of working on the water? Join this course and discover the amazing opportunities in the maritime sector. You will get hands-on experience and learn the theory behind sailing, stability, and safety. You will also explore the diverse aspects of the industry, from ferries to fish farms, and find out what makes them tick. This course will prepare you for your future career and give you the skills to succeed.
Where: Oban
When: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays
Routes to Education and Employment
The course is aimed at learners who want to prepare for work. You’ll cover a range of useful subjects such as computer basics and personal well-being to ensure you are ready for work and understand how best to apply and prepare for an interview. You will also develop soft skills that will help make the transition to work or self-employment much easier.
Basic Computer and Technology Skills
Discover the wonders of the digital world and boost your employability with this fun and easy course. You will learn how to use computers and online tools to search, communicate, create, and enjoy. Whether you want to write a document, make a spreadsheet, send an email, or watch a video, we will show you how. You will also explore how to use your own device to access music, books, games, and more. No experience is needed and we will provide all the equipment you need.
This is a short 10 week course costing £172. You may be eligible for a Fee Waiver. Find out more and apply
Making Simple Furniture
Learn how to work with wood and tools like a pro and create your own unique furniture. This short course will teach you the basics of woodworking in a friendly and safe workshop. You will be able to make a simple table, stool, or coffee table from scratch or upcycle an old piece of furniture. All materials are included in the price of the course. Join us and unleash your creativity with wood.
This 10 week course costs £86. You may be eligible for a Fee Waiver. Find out more and apply here