Learning new skills doesn't have to be all about work; one of the best opportunities provided by the BPRP is to allow you to pursue your own interests. During the period leading up to your retirement you will have the opportunity to take up activities which you were unable to undertake when you were too busy bringing up children or working.
The company will arrange for you attend an initial course which covers all aspects of retirement including finance, health, diet, exercise and personal interests to help you in your pre-retirement planning. You will be free to choose the activities that interest you and which will provide an ongoing interest through your retirement. This may be photography, arts & crafts, rock climbing or flower arranging if you prefer; it is for you to decide. Once you have decided the administrator will work with you to plan your programme over the period leading to your retirement.
The company will arrange a series of in-house IT courses, including how to navigate the world wide web, the use of email and Microsoft programmes such as Word, XL and Picture Manager.
For educational topics or hobbies this is a list of links to organisations which arrange courses. You can browse through these and then with the BPRP administrator you can select the ones which most interest you.
Centre for Lifelong Learning - University of Strathclyde The Centre for Lifelong Learning is based at the University of Strathclyde and specialises in providing courses for the over 50s. Click on this link for a sample of the Courses they offer.
James Watt College James Watt College is the Further Education College based in Greenock
Reid Kerr College Reid Kerr College is the Further Education College based in Paisley
The Third Age Trust - Online Courses U3A Online courses are short courses specially designed for older people. These are courses for which no entry qualifications are required. They are designed purely for personal interest and enjoyment. They have been written by volunteers who are experienced tutors or course leaders in their fields.
Learn Direct Scotland The Scottish Government would like everyone to be able to carry on learning right throughout their life - whether it's to get a job, improve existing skills or just to find out about something because it's interesting. At learn direct Scotland we help to do this by showing people, like you, how, where and when you can learn in the way that suits you best.
