Carol Smillie gives the nation a 'skills makeover'

 Have you ever wished you could learn IT skills but simply don’t have the time or perhaps you’d like to become a chef but lack of money is putting you off? Well now a crack team of experts headed by TV Presenter Carol Smillie are here to help.

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Who wants a nice, quiet retirement?

 Looking forward to a nice, quiet retirement? Don’t plan on it, says the Open University. In fact now’s the time to open your mind, broaden your horizons and open up new opportunities.

June graduates - at 82

  When June Fletcher collects her BA English and Creative Writing from Salford University next week she will be, at 82, one of the country’s oldest graduates.

Mature students welcome on course to manage volunteers

Thames Valley University is launching the first ever degree in managing volunteers for the public sector, highlighting the voluntary workforce that underpins the success of so many community and international sporting events. And mature students are particularly welcome to join the course.

Nifty@Fifty seeks funding to get more over 50's back to work

  The unique Nifty@Fifty course 2006 that successfully helped a number of older people secure employment is looking to secure new funding to extend the course in January 2007.

The Nifty@Fifty project originated in Clydesdale as an idea to help those over 50 who wanted to go back to work either full time or part time and needed a tailor made course which would both give them the confidence to apply for jobs and some tips on how to make themselves ‘work ready.’

The project is co-ordinated by former teacher Ed Archer, and is funded by Leader Plus, with the help of money from the European Union. Ed believes that the Nifty@Fifty course is an ideal way for older people to develop necessary skills in order to secure decent employment.

Could you mentor your grandchildren’s career?

A former teacher who now works as a part time education and careers consultant is calling on grandparents to put their life skills to good use by helping put their grandchildren on the road to the right career or college course for them.

Train for a second career in IT

Think that a career in IT is for young people? Think again. It’s a growth industry in need of good people and there is training available to get you up to speed.