Services for Adults

Skills for learning, for work, for life 

Join us to take that first step back into learning. From everyday reading, writing and numbers, to working towards that qualification, or improving your skills for the workplace.

Our informal, friendly groups run in venues across East Lothian. For 2 hours a week, learners work towards achieving their own individual goals.

We offer limited 1 to 1 sessions for learners not ready to start in a group. We also offer support to people with dyslexia. 

Literacy / everyday English

• Getting your thoughts on paper
• Improve your spelling and writing skills
• Gain confidence in writing for job applications, work and college
• Build on reading skills for work, college and pleasure

Numeracy / Maths 

• Everyday numbers - adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing
• Fractions, percentages, decimals and metric measurements 
• Life skills numeracy – time, money, budgeting and bills 

SQA qualifications (SCQF level 3 and 4)

• Core skills communication
• Numeracy  
• Applications of mathematics (level 3) 
• Mathematics (level 4) 

Who do we work with?

Our learners include adults and young people from all walks of life. Whether you feel that you missed out on your own education, or find you now need new and different skills for life today, we can help.

We work with anyone over 16 who wants to:

• Take that first step back into education or training
• Feel more confident about learning new things
• Brush up core skills for work

Find out more 

Any agency or individual can make a referral. We arrange to meet individually with potential learners for an informal chat before they join our provision.

Contact elworks@eastlothian.gov.uk or call 01620 827 262 for further information.

Andrew's story

Father of four Andrew had struggled with reading and writing throughout school. He left school at 15 without qualifications but had found employment, most recently in a funeral directors as an embalmer. It is a role that he takes great pride in and his employers, recognising his skill and commitment, suggested he completed the professional qualification by distance learning. It gave him the incentive to tackle his previous issues. 

Help with reading and writing

When Andrew joined East Lothian Work’s literacy group it was the first time he had shared his difficulties with reading and writing with anyone. Even his employers were unaware. 
Over the next three years he went on to complete his SQA Access 3 and National 4 Communications, mastering preparing and presenting using PowerPoint to a group – all while holding down his job. When he undertook his professional exam, having sat three ‘mock’ versions arranged by East Lothian Works in preparation he achieved 86%, the highest mark of his cohort. 

Sharing with family

As well as improving his work life, Andrew’s newly-found skills and confidence impacted him and his family on a personal level. He shares and enjoy books regularly with his younger two children which he has found to be deeply rewarding while providing the perfect example of resilience by sticking with his own learning.
Andrew now talks openly about his literacy issues and how he tackled them growing in confidence and self-esteem. He is always happy to share his story and give encouragement to new learners at the group.