Here you'll find our learning opportunities designed to help you gain new skills and manage daily life through the cost of living crisis. Click on the links below or scroll through our skills programmes to find the right fit for you.
To speak to a member of our team, just call 01202 410595.
Essential Support Work Skills
NOCN Level 1 qualification for working in support or care
Based at our office in Boscombe
For Dorset residents
Our 10 week (1 day a week) Esential Support Work Skills course is perfect for anyone who would like to build their skills and confidence to start a successful role within the support work sector. Our course will give you the knowledge to effectively support others. The course covers a range of essential skills, including interpersonal and communication skills, confidence, self-esteem, stress management, emotional intelligence, professional boundaries, and equality and diversity
Who can sign up?
Anyone who is aged 19 and over and living in Dorset.
Where is it delivered?
This course is delivered at our site in Boscombe.
How do I sign up?
Please read our privacy notice then complete our online referral form. Alternatively, you can download our paper enrolment form and email the completed document to bchalearn@bcha.org.uk or post it to BCHA Learn, The Factory, 14 Alder Hills, Poole, BH12 4AS.
Once we’ve received your referral form, a member of the BCHA Learn team will contact you to book onto our next available course.
City & Guilds, Level 1 & 2 Horticulture
Based at BCHA’s Yurt at our allotment
For Dorset residents
BCHA’s thriving allotment is home to several ground and raised growing beds, poly-tunnels, apple trees, lots of wildlife and our accredited practical Horticulture courses.
We offer the opportunity to gain a Level 1 or 2 certificate in Practical Horticulture, now accredited by City & Guilds. The courses are delivered by experienced horticulture tutors combining practical activities with learning the theory behind horticulture techniques in our cosy Yurt. Each course includes sessions designed to help you develop the skills to gain your qualification and progress within the horticultural sector.
The Level 1 course is suitable for learners who are new to the sector as it provides knowledge of preparing soil, applying organic mulch, pruning, houseplant care and the skills demanded by horticultural practice. The Level 2 course builds on the existing skills developed at Level 1.
Who can sign up?
Anyone who is aged 19 and over who is living in Dorset. It is highly recommended to complete the Level 1 course before enrolling on the Level 2 course.
How do I sign up?
To sign up to either horticulture course, please read our privacy notice then complete our online enrolment form. Alternatively, you can download our paper enrolment form and email the completed document to bchalearn@bcha.org.uk or post it to BCHA Learn, The Factory, 14 Alder Hills, Poole, BH12 4AS.
Once we’ve received your referral form, a member of the BCHA Learn team will contact you to book onto our next available course.
Food For Life
Learning basic cookery skills
Based at community venues across Dorset
For Dorset residents
This 4 week entry level accredited course combines classroom learning with practical sessions in a kitchen setting to help our community learn how to shop well, cook well and eat well. The course is perfect for those wanting to learn basic kitchen skills, understand various kitchen equipment and learn how to cook delicious, healthy meals on a budget. Our sessions will also identify your strengths and goals to create a personalised action plan.
Who can sign up?
Anyone who is aged 19 and over and living in Dorset.
Where is it delivered?
This course is delivered at community venues across Dorset.
How do I sign up?
Please read our privacy notice then complete our online referral form. Alternatively, you can download our paper enrolment form and email the completed document to bchalearn@bcha.org.uk or post it to BCHA Learn, The Factory, 14 Alder Hills, Poole, BH12 4AS.
Once we’ve received your referral form, a member of the BCHA Learn team will contact you to book onto our next available course.
Skills For Work
Learning how to get that job
Based at our office in Boscombe
For Dorset residents
Our Skills For Work course will equip you with the tools you need to obtain meaningful and sustainable employment. On our 5-week course, you will learn about how to improve your self-esteem, confidence and interview techniques. You will also learn how to identify your strengths and set yourself goals whilst gaining a qualification.
Who can sign up?
Anyone who is aged 19 and over and living in Dorset.
Where is it delivered?
This course is primarily delivered at our site in Boscombe. We also offer outreach at community venues. If you would like to discuss a potential outreach course, please call 01202 410 595. Please note, due to our funding, there are certain requirements around group sizes that we would need to discuss.
How do I sign up?
Please read our privacy notice then complete our online referral form. Alternatively, you can download our paper enrolment form and email the completed document to bchalearn@bcha.org.uk or post it to BCHA Learn, The Factory, 14 Alder Hills, Poole, BH12 4AS.
Once we’ve received your referral form, a member of the BCHA Learn team will contact you to book onto our next available course.
This course is also available as part of our Inspiring Change project for those at risk of homelessness in Exeter. Please scroll down for more details.
Digital Discovery (Beginner)
Beginners digital course
Based at Boscombe Digital Hub
For BCP residents
In collaboration with Boscombe Digital Skills Hub, the beginners Digital Discovery course is a fun five-week course for anyone looking to gain confidence in basic online and computer skills (Windows 10), web browsing, online security and online money saving advice.
The course will teach you:
- Keyboard and mouse proficiency
- Computer navigation, emailing & internet access
- Computer security & keeping safe online
- Online money saving and budgeting
Who can sign up?
Anyone who is aged 18 and over, with little or no computer knowledge and living in BCP.
Where is it delivered?
This course is delivered at Boscombe Digital Hub.
How do I sign up?
Please read our privacy notice then complete our online referral form. Alternatively, you can download our paper enrolment form and email the completed document to bchalearn@bcha.org.uk or post it to BCHA Learn, The Factory, 14 Alder Hills, Poole, BH12 4AS.
Once we’ve received your referral, a member of the BCHA Learn team will contact you to book onto our next available course.
Digital Discovery (Intermediate)
Intermediate digital course
Based at Boscombe Digital Hub
For BCP residents
Do you have basic digital knowledge but want to enhance your computer skills? Join the five-week Intermediate Digital Discovery course to learn about valuable online tools that will make your life easier.
In collaboration with Boscombe Digital Skills Hub, the course will teach you about:
- Getting to know the Google Suite of tools
- Doing more with the Google Suite of tools
- Using communication tools such as Google Meet, Microsoft Teams and Zoom
- Doing more with your computer, such as trouble shooting, settings and storage
Who can sign up?
Anyone who is aged 19 and over, with reasonable computer knowledge and living in BCP.
Where is it delivered?
This course is delivered at Boscombe Digital Hub.
How do I sign up?
Please read our privacy notice then complete our online referral form. Alternatively, you can download our paper enrolment form and email the completed document to bchalearn@bcha.org.uk or post it to BCHA Learn, The Factory, 14 Alder Hills, Poole, BH12 4AS.
Once we’ve received your referral, a member of the BCHA Learn team will contact you to book onto our next available course.
Digital Life Skills
Beginners digital course
Based at our office in Boscombe
For Dorset residents
Digital Life Skills will be running from August 2025. Please see Digital Discovery (Beginner) for our 5-week beginners IT course.
Are you a complete beginner looking to embark on your journey into the digital world? Our 10-week IT course is perfect for those who have no prior computer knowledge, who would like to build their skills and confidence in this area. We start with IT fundamentals such as turning your computer on and off, working with files, safety whilst using IT and we also go through Word processing software, emails, the internet and financial security.
Who can sign up?
Anyone who is aged 19 and over and living in Dorset.
Where is it delivered?
This course is delivered at our site in Boscombe, but we also offer outreach at community venues. If you would like to discuss a potential outreach course, please call 01202 410 595.
How do I sign up?
Please read our privacy notice then complete our online referral form. Alternatively, you can download our paper enrolment form and email the completed document to bchalearn@bcha.org.uk or post it to BCHA Learn, The Factory, 14 Alder Hills, Poole, BH12 4AS.
Once we’ve received your referral form, a member of the BCHA Learn team will contact you to book onto our next available course.
Right At Home
Managing your tenancy skills
Based at our office in Boscombe
For Dorset residents
Would you like to understand and manage your tenancy better? Our Right At Home tenancy training course is here to equip you with the tools to successfully manage your tenancy and take better care of your home.
This 4-week course will help you gain a better understanding of your tenancy, learn basic DIY and cleaning techniques that will help you save money, as well as household expenses, living on a budget and how to effectively live with other people.
Who can sign up?
Anyone who is aged 19 and over and living in Dorset.
Where is it delivered?
This course is primarily delivered at our site in Boscombe. We also offer outreach at community venues. If you would like to discuss a potential outreach course, please call 01202 410 595. Please note, due to our funding, there are certain requirements around group sizes that we would need to discuss.
How do I sign up?
Please read our privacy notice then complete our online referral form. Alternatively, you can download our paper enrolment form and email the completed document to bchalearn@bcha.org.uk or post it to BCHA Learn, The Factory, 14 Alder Hills, Poole, BH12 4AS.
Once we’ve received your referral form, a member of the BCHA Learn team will contact you to book onto our next available course.
This course is also available as part of our Inspiring Change project for those at risk of homelessness in Exeter. Please scroll down for more details.
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