Has the New Year found you resolving to go back to college and do something for yourself? You won't be alone if you feel in a rut and are looking for a way out to a new job - and a new you! Alternatively, you may just want to learn a new skill for fun. Whatever the reason, Josiah Mason College has the answer with a variety of courses running from January 26. They include accounting, administration, basic skills, CAD, call handling, care, childcare, classroom assistants, computers, customer service, ESOL, exercise and fitness, FE teaching, management, media and multi-media, mentoring, team leading and many more. You can get a qualification in just 10 or 20 weeks and nearly all JMC's computer courses are free. Students on the Return to Work IT course highly recommend taking the plunge and enrolling at JMC. Janice Byrne had been out of work for nine years while bringing up three children. Her youngest is now at school and she wanted to update her IT skills ready for finding a new job. "I used to work in an office, but technology has changed so much since then," said Janice. "Coming back to college has boosted my confidence and I am thoroughly enjoying the course. "I thought I would feel intimidated going back to study after all this time, but learning with other adults has been great." Bill Turner from Stechford helps Janice and her fellow students as part of his teaching practice for the Fento 7470 Certificate in Further Education Teaching. This is a popular course at JMC and many students benefit from finding practical experience at the college. Bill said: "I used to work as a supervisor for the Railways, but retired due to ill health. I started an IT course at JMC because I was interested in computers and I worked my way up the City and Guilds qualifications, Levels 1 to 3. "I then decided to get qualified as a teacher. I get a lot out of helping people and I am pleased I took the decision to go back into education." JMC also turned life around for early years student Linda Lane. A few years on she is studying for a degree and has found herself a new career. Linda was working in a shop for 17 years and was stuck in a rut. She decided to leave and follow her ambition to get a job working with kids. She was employed as an integration assistant at Firs Primary School and studied an NVQ in early years at JMC. The course fitted in well with work and family commitments. "Since going back to college, I haven't looked back," said Linda. "I've also done a mentoring course and a computing qualification and now I am studying for a Foundation Degree in early years. "I wanted to prove to myself I could do it and now I have! The tutors are brilliant, approachable, friendly and supportive." Want to change your life for the better? Call JMC for a Course Guide on 0121 603 4757, Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm. | 
