Get adult learning support from the Core Skills team

Do you feel like your reading, writing or maths skills are holding you back from where you want to be? Need help using laptops, tablets or filling out online applications? Or are you interested in boosting your confidence via communications, public speaking and teamwork training?

Well, North Ayrshire Council’s Core Skills team have got you covered!

Funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, the service is part of North Ayrshire’s Community Learning and Development team and Core Skills workers are available now to support community-based learning in your area.

Friendly, knowledgeable and welcoming, the team offer in-person and online tailored support to individuals interested in adult learning. They can help to support adult learners over the age of 16 to:

• Develop literacy, numeracy and digital skills
• Build resilience and confidence
• Give tips on communicating more effectively
• Provide informal and structured adult learning to suit your needs

The community-based adult learning service runs alongside – but is independent to – the council’s Employability Service, Your Next Move North Ayrshire. Instead of supporting learners looking to step into employment, they are bridging the gap between a break in employment or learning.

Learners involved are then provided a chance to overcome barriers and gain the confidence needed to pursue employability courses and other opportunities provided by the wider employability network. If you would be interested in finding out how the Core Skills team can help you, register your interest here online now.

Or, if you want to meet the team in person, you can stop-by one of their library drop-ins at:

• Stevenston Library each Wednesday 10am until midday
• Irvine Library each Thursday 1pm until 3pm
• Kilwinning Library each Thursday 2pm until 4pm

A recent learner supported at the Stevenston Library drop-in is Ellen who wanted to improve her digital skills so she could confidently use a desktop computer or laptop.

First afraid of even going near a computer, the Core Skills team - through tailored one to one support - has helped the Three Towns resident to confidently navigate a laptop, desktop computer and associated software. Ellen has also had support with mobile apps.

As she was of an older generation, Ellen was intimidated by digital, and this fear was holding her back from making the next move in her career journey. Since embarking upon the training, Ellen has been successful in gaining employment at a local care home and is now encouraging others to find the courage to collaborate with the team.

Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and Islands is encouraging residents to register their interest. He shares: “Community based adult learning is a vital opportunity to learn in a familiar environment in venues that are convenient for our residents, where they can be themselves and feel comfortable to identify and achieve their own personal goals.

“The Core Skills team provides opportunities for learners to overcome barriers and identify areas that might be holding them back so that they can gain confidence and take the next step towards where they want to be.

“A key element of the service provided is numeracy and literacy support and these are vital skills - often taken for granted - that are fundamental to everyday and working life. It is great to see the team supporting people back into work, increasing the confidence and communication skills of our residents while empowering learners to become more resilient to take on the challenges of working life.”

Find out more about community-based adult learning on the council website.

The Core Skills team are also currently on the look out for volunteers to help with adult learning across North Ayrshire. If this is something that you may be interested in, register your interest here.

Published: 18 September 2025