Community courses (hobbies and interests)

Bringing learning to your doorstep

Want to learn a new skill, language or qualification? Vision West Nottinghamshire College offers short courses across Mansfield and Ashfield. The college works in partnership with 15 local community and voluntary organisations including Disability Nottinghamshire, NIDAS, MIND, Framework, Mansfield District Council and a number of local children’s centres.

• What's on? Autumn/Winter 2022

  View a full list of courses taking place from September through to December 2022.

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Our community courses

With over 250 courses to choose from there really is something for everyone. Courses range in length from a few hours to a number of weeks, and can easily fit around your other commitments.

Call our community team to book a place 01623 413602.

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FAQs

• How much will it cost?

  Most courses are free for adults who are unemployed and in receipt of qualifying benefits, or for adults in employment who earn less than £18,525. Those who don’t qualify will pay an hourly fee of £3.50 as a contribution towards learning costs. Fees can either be paid in full during your first session or weekly as you attend*.

  Some courses will require students to purchase additional resources for their course including materials and workbooks – please ask for further details when booking onto your course.

  * Some courses such as first aid and food safety require payment of fees in advance.

• How do I book onto a course?

  Booking onto a course is easy! Just call the number stated in the contact details displayed in the community course guide. Remember to book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Sometimes, a course may be cancelled due to low numbers, so do make sure you book early to let us know if you’re interested.

  Enrolment takes place during the first session of the course. If you cannot attend, contact the community team on 01623 413602.

• Discounted fees

  If you are unemployed and in receipt of a means-tested benefit you are entitled to 100% reduction in tuition fees. Valid benefit documents must be produced at the time of enrolment.

  Benefits which qualify include:

  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (not contribution based)
  • Housing or Council Tax Benefit (not Single Person’s Allowance)
  • Employment Support Allowance
  • Income Support
  • Incapacity Benefit
  • Universal Credit.

  All benefits claimants will be required to provide evidence of their benefit status to qualify for fee remission.

  Information correct as of August 2019. Please note: Students should be at least 19 years of age to access community courses.

• What do I need to bring with me?

  At your first session, you will need to bring one of the following forms of identification:

  • Passport
  • Driving licence
  • ID card or other national ID
  • National Insurance Number
  • Benefits documentation
  • Exam certificate
  • Bank/credit/debit card.

  This will enable us to provide you with your Unique Learner Number (ULN) when you complete your enrolment form. If you qualify for a 100% reduction in tuition fees, don’t forget to bring your current benefit(s) documents with you.

• Refunds

  If a course is cancelled by Vision West Nottinghamshire College due to low numbers, any student who has paid their fees in full at the start of the course will receive a refund for the weeks which have been cancelled. If a student withdraws from a course, the standard college refunds policy will apply.

Contact the community team

Learn more

• Course types for adult learners
• Financial support for adult learners
• Fees for adult learners
• Advanced Learner Loan
• Order a course guide.