Upcoming courses this September and October with On Course South West

Looking to learn something new, build your confidence, improve your digital skills, or take the next step towards employment? On Course South West is offering a wide range of free adult learning opportunities across Plymouth and the surrounding area this September and October.

Whether you're looking to develop digital skills, enhance your employability, improve your wellbeing, or gain practical life skills, there's something for everyone. Courses are delivered in small, supportive groups with a learner-centred approach, helping you progress at a pace that works for you.

Each course listing below includes key information such as dates, locations, who the course is aimed at, learning outcomes, and a direct link to find out more and book your place.

All courses are free to attend.

💻 Digital Skills

Digital Devices Part 1 

Ideal for: Absolute beginners with no prior experience who feel nervous around tech, as well as neurodivergent learners or anyone wanting a low-pressure environment.  They can bring a tablet or smart phone that they are trying to use. The main first steps course to introduce technology.

• Course code: PH26T32H

• Location: Cobourg House — 1. The Lido Room

• Dates: Monday 14 September 2026 to Monday 19 October 2026

• Time and duration: 1pm (3 hours)

• Course link: On Course South West

About the course:

Designed to help you transition from feeling "managed" by technology to being the "manager" of it. Move from foundational settings to advanced tools in three steps:

1. Device mastery: Settings, accessibility, and local connectivity.

2. Device health: File organisation, maintenance habits, and robust cyber-safety.

3. Advanced integration: Incorporating AI (Google Gemini), cloud sync, and local services (NHS/Council) into daily life.

Getting Work Ready

Ideal for: Learners who can use a computer mouse/keyboard but need help converting their job hunt into a practical, "clickable" digital process. This is a learner centred course, and each participant will be able to have the course adapted to their individual needs.

• Course code: PH26T22C

• Location: Cobourg House — 1. The Lido Room

• Dates: Tuesday 15 September 2026 to Tuesday 20 October 2026

• Time and duration: 1pm (3 hours)

• Course link: On Course South West

About the course: Bridges the gap between having job application content and possessing the digital skills to upload it.

Course aim: Digitise your employability by transitioning from paper drafts to a complete digital presence.

Entry requirements: Ability to turn on a PC and use a mouse; a basic draft of your work history/CV; motivation to apply for work online.

World of AI and Internet Safety 

Ideal for: Total novices looking for a safe, empowering introduction to digital tools before moving on to higher-level tech courses.

• Course code: PH26T51D

• Location: Cobourg House — 1. The Lido Room

• Dates: Friday 18 September 2026 to Friday 23 October 2026

• Time and duration: 09.30pm (3 hours)

• Course link: On Course South West

What you will learn:

The Rise of AI: How artificial intelligence impacts everyday apps and platforms.

• Digital footprints an privacy: Discovering how personal data is collected and securing your accounts.

• Spotting the fake: Developing critical thinking to spot deepfakes, scams, and misinformation.

• Safe cyber habits: Password hygiene, phishing defence, and safe digital interaction.

Online Job Searching 

Ideal for: Beginners, job seekers, career changers, recent graduates, or neurodivergent individuals needing personalised support.

• Course code: PH26T41D

• Location: Cobourg House — 1. The Lido Room

• Dates: Thursday 8 October 2026 to Thursday 22 October 2026

• Time and duration: 10am (5 hours) 

• Course link: On Course South West

What you will learn:

• Building your brand: Craft compelling CVs via Google Docs and explore professional networks like LinkedIn.

• Mastering the search: Using search filters, networking with Google Groups, and formatting CV documents for upload/download.

• Interview success: Practicing video interviews via Google Meet/Zoom, plus writing cover letters and personal statements.

💼 Employability and Career Growth

Volunteer Opportunities 

Ideal for: Absolute beginners through to experienced volunteers, jobseekers looking for work experience, carers, or those eyeing a move into social care/charities.

• Course code: PH26T41C

• Location: Venue to be confirmed but Cobourg House is the main venue

• Dates: Thursday 1 October 2026 to Thursday 22 October 2026

• Time and duration: 10am (3 hours)

• Course link: On Course South West

About the course:

An inclusive exploration of local volunteering options. Designed to help you build real-world work experience, refresh existing skills, and open clear pathways into community or charity roles.

Pathway to Employment

Ideal for: Anyone seeking new employment, planning a career change, or needing a confidence boost.

• Course code: PH26T31C

• Location: Cobourg House — 7. Mayflower Room

• Dates: Wednesday 7 October 2026 to Thursday 22 October 2026

• Time and duration: 09.30am (5 hours) Wednesday and Thursday

• Course link: On Course South West

About the course:

Learner-focused and adapted to individual participant goals.

• CV and profile setup: Write or fix a CV and build an online presence.

• Interview prep: Learn to answer tricky interview questions and manage nerve-inducing settings calmly.

• Mindset and resilience: Identify transferable skills, build confidence, and overcome personal barriers to re-entering the workforce.

🧘 Wellbeing and Self-Development

Mindful Moments in Daily Life

Ideal for: Step-one engagement for learners struggling with confidence, anxiety, or burnout who need simple tools to slow down.

• Course code: PH26T32A

• Location: Cobourg House — 1. The Lido Room

• Dates: Wednesday 16 September 2026 to Wednesday 21 October 2026

• Time and duration: 1pm (3 hours)

• Course link: On Course South West

What you will learn:

• Foundations of awareness: Mindful breathing, sensory grounding (the 5-4-3-2-1 method), and present-moment focus.

• Practical application: Managing digital distractions, mindful movement, recognising stress triggers, and crafting a simple daily wellness plan.

Discover Your Positive Self (Two Cohort Options)

Ideal for: Soft first-step course for parents, carers, or long-term unemployed individuals who feel nervous or stuck about taking steps toward work/education.

Cohort A — Chaddlewood

• Course Code: PH26T11N

• Location: Chaddlewood Farm Community Centre — Main Area

• Dates: Monday 21 September 2026 to Monday 19 October 2026

• Time and duration: 10am (3 hours)

• Course link: On Course South West

Cohort B — Saltash

• Course Code: PH26T11O

• Location: Saltash Studios — Room 1

• Dates: Monday 14 September 2026 to Monday 19 October 2026

• Time and duration: 10.30am (3.5 hours)

• Course link: On Course South West

Core Focus Areas:

1. Positive thinking and strengths: Uncover what you’re good at and practice communicating it to others.

2. Resilience and communication: Stress management, listening skills, and group confidence exercises.

3. Future steps: Simple online presence tips, introductory CV creation, small goal-setting, and interview practice.

Mindful Crafting

Ideal for: Adults feeling isolated or looking for a gentle, creative re-entry into learning or social environments.

• Course code: PH26T21B

• Location: St Budeaux Library

• Dates: Tuesday 29 September 2026 to Tuesday 20 October 2026

• Time and duration: 09.30am (2.5 hours)

• Course link: On Course South West

Core focus areas:

Focuses on "process over product" mindfulness through hands-on creative projects, helping learners uncover personal strengths, track progress, and build social confidence in a low-pressure group setting.

💰 Life Skills

Living on a Budget / Money Saving Ideas

Ideal for: Anyone finding it tough to manage personal finances amid cost-of-living rises.

• Course code: PH26T22B

• Location: St Budeaux Library

• Dates: Tuesday 29 September 2026 to Tuesday 20 October 2026

• Time and duration: 12.30pm (2.5 hours)

• Course link: On Course South West

About the course:

A friendly, non-judgmental short course focused on real-world practical solutions:

• Bill reduction: Ways to trim household bills and reduce weekly supermarket expenses.

• Budget planning: How to set up a practical budget that works for your situation.

• Online bargains: Tips for safely finding the best online deals and avoiding unnecessary spending.

Please contact the learner services team here if you require any further assistance.