Why there is a need for 19+ specialist courses

Specialist courses are short programmes designed to update current knowledge and skills in line with changes across industry. The fact that these courses can last anywhere from 1-day intensives, to 12-week part time courses allows them to adapt and progress as the skills needed in different industries change.

Industry changes so rapidly that some people would question the importance of formalised study and its direct relevance to employment. Of course, the ability to show agility within our careers is now highly sought after by employers; with continual changes in industry, many are looking for employees who can recognise these changes and deal with them effectively. Furthermore, across many industries, job roles are becoming more specialised and employees with these specialist skills are often more desirable.

These changes and the search for agility is exactly why there should be a drive for more specialised courses in 19+ education. College and University education can provide excellent theoretical understanding, with practical application and, undeniably, an overall insight into different industry sectors. However, once in employment, knowledge and skills must be continually updated to keep up with industry changes. Therefore, dedicated tutors, with first-hand industry experience are developing courses to embrace these changes in industry.

As a result, our specialist courses will be geared towards the knowledge and skills needed for successful employment in Business, Computing and Creative Digital Industries. Specialist courses offer theoretical understanding, but more importantly they offer practical application of this knowledge specific to industry.

Whist gaining a formal qualification, formalised study can also aid the development of other sought after skills. Specialised courses not only teach the technical skills required to gain the end qualification, but also help to develop analytical and quantitative skills, creative problem solving and decision making skills, to name a few. All of these skills have been listed within the Top 10 desirable skills by employers for 2015 and 2016. These universal skills can be adapted and applied to any academic discipline or industry, which makes them highly sought after by employers. Furthermore, continuing to develop new skills also shows employers a willingness to invest in your career and commitment to further learning.

Here, in the Department for Business, Computing and Creative Industries at The Manchester College we are in the process of developing 12-week, specialist courses for these sectors. Our courses will be open to anyone, aged 19+, looking to develop the skills needed for their perfect careers. So whether you’re a college or university graduate, someone looking for a change in career, or someone just looking to upskill in their current career, keep an eye out for our new specialist courses coming soon.

It’s something new and exciting that we currently do not offer in Manchester, England. I hope you enjoyed reading and please, any feedback on what courses you think would be helpful would be lovely.

For more information, contact Jacob Reilly-Cooper: [e-mail] or follow us on Twitter: @TMCBCCI