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Free Courses

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IMAGE: Logos for Orkney Islands Council, The Learning Link, and Community Learning, Development and Employability (LDE Orkney). The cover also displays the text “Free Courses” and “hosted by”.

The Learning Link is a FREE service which is dedicated to helping adults gain new skills and increase their self-confidence. The benefits of developing your skills and having the confidence to use them can be far reaching and life changing. It can also improve your health and wellbeing.

If you want to just brush up on your reading or writing skills, improve your numeracy skills, increase your digital skills, learn how to use the internet safely or improve your speaking and understanding of the English language, then get in touch.

For further information on what we offer or to register your interest in any of our classes please contact us.

Call: 01856 879200

email: thelearninglinkenquiries@orkney.gov.uk

or Scan the QR code to register with us online

IMAGE: QR code provided for registering online with The Learning Link. The encoded text or destination is not legible.

All classes will be held at The Learning Link, 1 St Rognvald Street, Kirkwall, KW15 1PR unless stated otherwise.

Courses can only run if we have sufficient numbers. We will contact participants that have registered an interest with us and confirm dates, times and venue prior to the course commencing.

Numeracy

Have you always struggled with Maths?

Do you find sums difficult?

Do you wish you had a qualification in Mathematics?

We offer free support, whatever the level! We can help you work out your starting point and achieve your numeracy goals.

Courses we have offered previously include:

  • QS Numeracy qualifications at Level 3 and Level 4
  • Mental arithmetic and number skills
  • Working out fractions, decimals and percentages
  • All things statistics and probability
  • Understanding ratio
  • Time – 12 and 24 hours
  • Budgeting

Here is a chance to learn all those things that you never understood!

Communication/Literacies

Brush up on your communication skills and gain a qualification to help improve your confidence and widen your job opportunities or further education.

  • Develop reading skills through reading a range of texts i.e. articles, emails, leaflets etc.
  • Writing in different styles i.e. emails, messages and instructions.
  • Learn how to organise writing in sentences and paragraphs, and how to use punctuation and grammar correctly.
  • Improve confidence in speaking clearly and effectively, by joining in group discussions and activities.
  • Develop listening skills for understanding different situations i.e. discussions and podcasts.
  • Communicate in different ways for different purposes i.e. giving information, instructions, and using persuasive language.

This course is perfect for anyone looking to boost their communication skills and will help participants to speak with more ease and impact.

Communicate better, feel more confident, be heard.

Absolute Beginners Course (ABC) – Introducing a Digital World

If you have no digital skills and would like to learn, we are keen to hear from you and help you start your learning journey.

Learning digital skills can be good for your health & wellbeing, reduce social isolation, learn new skills, connect with people and services, and so much more.

Do you ever wonder....

  • What is digital and what is on the Internet?
  • What is an email and how do I use it?
  • What can I do if I go on the Internet?
  • How can I keep in touch with my family and friends?
  • Is it for me and can I use the internet safely?

Learning to use the internet and other digital skills can be daunting at first, but in each session, we will ensure we work at your pace and on topics you need to learn, or that you are interested in.

Bring your own device (if you have one) or you can borrow one whilst learning.

You have nothing to lose but lots to gain

QS Accredited Courses

  • National 3 & 4 Communication & Literacy Skills
  • National 2, 3 & 4 ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)
  • National 3 & 4 Numeracy

These core skills are paramount to applying for work or further learning

Digital Support Hub – Kirkwall Library - MacGillivray Room

Fortnightly starting Wed 29th April 2026 from 2pm – 3.30pm

This friendly and informal group is for people who have some digital skills but want to learn and improve their current knowledge, share ideas, seek guidance, or support.

You can drop in when you need support, or like many others, attend each week as part of their learning and social circle. Bring your own digital device with you, be that a smartphone, tablet, laptop, iPhone or iPad, and we will do our best to support and answer your questions.

Common themes to date include:

  • Emails including phishing, scams etc.
  • Problems getting online.
  • Checking if a text or email is legitimate.
  • Improving online safety.
  • Buying goods online and paying for them.
  • Accessing online services and registering for them.
  • Communicating using WhatsApp, Messenger, etc.
  • Privacy settings on social media and following topics of interest to you.

Technology made simple - learn, connect, and thrive!

All classes are held on a Wednesday

  • 29th April
  • 13th May (27th May is cancelled)
  • 10th & 24th June
  • 8th & 22nd July
  • 5th & 19th August
  • 14th & 28th October
  • 11th & 25th November
  • 9th & 23rd December
  • 6th & 20th January
  • 3rd & 17th February
  • 3rd & 17th March