The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group has launched a wide range of new adult courses for 2026, giving adults the chance to boost their career prospects, build essential skills or take up a new hobby.
With flexible start dates across the year, the programmes are designed to fit around work, family commitments and everyday life.
This includes brand-new Skills Bootcamps in Digital Skills (IT Office Skills) and Project Management. These will be delivered in addition to the Group’s Skills Bootcamps in Carbon Capture and Storage, Heat Recovery and Transfer, Health and Social Care, LGV Driving and Warehouse Operations - giving adults practical, job-ready training for fast-growing sectors.
To further support roles in low carbon industries, the Group has strengthened its Green Skills offer, aiding the region’s shift toward sustainable construction and engineering. New courses include Implementation of Building Information Modelling, Installation and Maintenance of Heat Pump Systems and Rainwater Harvesting and Greywater Recycling Systems.
A new Women’s Basic Automotive Maintenance course is also available at Castleford College throughout the year, giving learners a practical, confidence-building route into vehicle care and upkeep.
Adults wanting to strengthen essential skills can join GCSE and Functional Skills classes in English and Maths, whilst those wanting to move into teaching can take their first step with the Award in Education and Training.
A renewed focus on sport and wellbeing gives adults the chance to train for careers in the fitness industry, with Selby College and Wakefield College delivering a Diploma in Gym Instructing and Personal Training - with progression routes into Diploma Personal Training. Adults can also specialise through the Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy and the Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy.
Heart of Yorkshire Education Group adult student in Sports Massage Studio, Wakefield College.
At Selby College, new pathways into counselling are also available with brand-new programmes in Counselling Skills and Diploma in Counselling - helping learners build strong foundations before progressing to higher level counselling study.
Laurent Berges, Director of Adult Skills at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, said: “Adults come back to learning for many reasons. Some want to progress at work, some want a fresh start and others just want to try something new. Our aim is to make that step as welcoming, flexible and achievable as possible. These courses give adults the confidence to grow their skills, open new doors and enjoy learning at a pace that works for them.”
These courses form part of the Group’s wider adult offer, which includes a range of free* Online Learning courses. These are available in Business and Management, Childcare, Early Years and Childhood Studies, Digital, Health, Social Care and Wellbeing, and Retail and Customer Service.
This shift to online study has also driven the Group to offer several of its Access to Higher Education qualifications online. Adults can now study Access pathways in Biomedical Science, Computing, Engineering, Health Science Professions, Midwifery, Nursing, Psychology, Social Work and Science, Medical and Health, giving learners a flexible route into higher education.
Find out more about the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group’s brand-new 2026 adult offer on its website: https://www.heartofyorkshire.ac.uk/new-year
*Free based on your location, level and prior qualifications.