Harrogate College is offering 50 free courses to people who have been made redundant, are unemployed or on furlough.

The college, which is based at Hornbeam Park, announced the move yesterday to help the district’s economic recovery.

Topics include media marketing, accounting, interior design and counselling. Courses begin in January.

The college said the courses had been chosen in line with local employer demands and would boost job prospects.

Figures published yesterday showed the number of people claiming out of work benefits in the Harrogate district in November was 3,625. This was a slight rise on the previous month’s figure of 3,595.

Danny Wild, principal at Harrogate College, said:

“We appreciate how challenging this year has been for many. We’re dedicated to supporting people to up-skill and re-skill, enabling them to progress in current jobs or return to work following the increase in furlough job losses across the district.

“We hope to give those who have been most affected an opportunity to take control of their future and work towards something to be proud of.”

The courses will be held online and face-to-face with some of the students going into college to use its facilities. The college has said all sessions will be run in line with covid guidelines.

To find out more about the courses on offer, click here.

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