Professional development
Our range of professional development courses have been designed to help take your career to the next level.
Continuous professional development is important; not only are you able to refine any existing skills or learn new ones, but it also helps you to stand out amongst the competition in what is a very competitive jobs market. At Manchester Adult Education you can choose from different professional development pathways such as safeguarding, supporting learners with learning disabilities and providing information, advice or guidance.
How will I be taught?
The majority of our professional development courses are delivered online in live online classes or through online independent study.
You will need a smartphone, tablet, laptop or PC and a good internet connection to join the online sessions and/or access learning materials and resources between sessions. You will need access to a laptop or PC to complete assignments throughout the course.
Don’t worry if this is a new way of learning for you – our tutors will explain how online learning works and support you to do this.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements vary for each of our courses and before you start you will be assessed to ensure you join the right level course for you.
You will be able to find more information about the requirements needed for your chosen course by contacting our support team on 0161 291 6733, dropping into your local adult learning centre or emailing us at maes.info@manchester.gov.uk.
Professional development courses
Select the course that you are interested in from the list below to find out more.
On this course you will learn why everyone has the right to learn, be safe and be respected. You will be able to recognise a safe and secure learning environment that promotes your health and wellbeing.
- Start date(s): Multiple start dates available
- Duration: 11 weeks
- Location(s): Online fully independent course
- Day: Online fully independent course
- Time: Online fully independent course
Through this course, you will acquire the skills and knowledge required by employers to provide information, advice and guidance if it’s needed as part of your core job role.
- Start date(s): Multiple start dates available
- Duration: TBC
- Location(s): Online fully independent course
- Day: Online fully independent course
- Time: Online fully independent course
The purpose of this course is to develop your knowledge, understanding and skills of Safeguarding, Prevent and British Values.
You will develop an understanding of the effects of extremism, radicalisation and terrorism. You will learn how to promote equality, diversity and social inclusion in the workplace and gain an understanding of safeguarding and online safety.
- Start date(s): Multiple start dates available
- Duration: 16 weeks
- Location(s): Online fully independent course
- Day: Online fully independent course
- Time: Online fully independent course
This course is suitable for you if you’re a new or aspiring team leader.
- Start date(s): January
- Duration: 24 weeks
- Location(s): Online
- Day: Tuesday
- Time: 4:30pm-7:30pm
On this course you will develop the knowledge and understanding required to work with individuals with learning disabilities or difficulties. You will learn about the principles of safeguarding, positive risk-taking and gain awareness of the autistic spectrum.
- Start date(s): January
- Duration: 24 weeks
- Location(s): Online
- Day: Tuesday
- Time: 9:30am-12:00pm
By studying a Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Behaviour that Challenges, you will gain an understanding of the common causes of behaviour that challenges. You will also improve your knowledge of effective communication, the role of reflection and learn how to support individuals involved in dealing with incidents of challenging behaviour with adults.
- Start date(s): January
- Duration: 17 weeks
- Location(s): Online
- Day: Friday
- Time: 9:30am-12:30pm
This course will provide you with the opportunity to learn about the skills required to support individuals with learning disabilities as part of your job role. The units within this qualification mirror those offered within the Learning Disabilities Pathway of the Health and Social Care Diplomas in England. All units are assessed in line with the Skills for Care and Development Assessment Strategy.
It is recommended that learners are working, volunteering or on practical placement to be able to show competence in both knowledge and skills.
- Start date(s): Multiple start dates
- Duration: 17 weeks
- Location(s): Online
- Day: Friday
- Time: 9:30am-12:30pm
View more details about Level 3 Award in Supporting Individuals with Learning Disabilities.
This course is suitable for you if you’re looking to assess occupational competence in the work environment and/or vocational skills, knowledge and understanding in environments other than the workplace (i.e., a workshop, classroom or other training environment).
- Start date(s): Multiple start dates available
- Duration: TBC
- Location(s): Enquire at your local centre
- Day: Enquire at your local centre
- Time(s): Enquire at your local centre
This course is suitable for you if you’re a new or aspiring manager.
- Start date(s): January
- Duration: 24 weeks
- Location(s): Online
- Day: Wednesday
- Time: 5:00pm-8:00pm
Help and support
You will find a range of support on offer when you study with MAES. From our friendly and enthusiastic business support team located in our learning centres to our well-qualified and committed tutors.
We are also home to Make it Happen – a service run by our dedicated Careers and Progression team who will provide expert knowledge and personalised support to prepare you for the next stage in your career. Find out more below.
