Education

Marie Bell chose to study by distance learning as she felt it was convenient and could learn at her own pace.
“I want to become a social worker eventually and I want to help to raise the profile of childcare practitioners to the professional level the career should have. “
“…distance learning gives you a lot of flexibility and allows you to study at a pace that suits you without the inconvenience of travelling to a college or university. I managed to complete the DHC in ten months because of this flexibility. “
Marie adds “I am very glad I chose the path of distance learning to begin my studying and I have enjoyed the whole experience…and I would use NEC again.”

Marie Bell is now studying a degree in early years foundation.

Marie Bell
Diploma in Home-based Childcare, NEC

Have you ever thought of distance learning?
It is a great way to ensure you have the opportunity to train for new skills and new career opportunities even whilst moving from post to post . Being married to a soldier doesn't have to mean that your life is put on hold. Both the Open university and the National extention college offer some great learning opportunities and are very forces friendly. They both offer easy payment plans to suit you and a huge range of courses covering a huge range of subjects and careers.
Your local Education centre holds a wealth of information and provides a range of courses, check out the links at the bottom of this page.

Stuart Peters originally joined the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) as a rating, and, by his early 20s, had worked his way up to petty officer mechanic. To gain further promotion, Stuart realised he needed to gain some professional qualifications.

Stuart spoke to the Director of Education from The Marine Society College of the Sea to arrange to study GCSE Maths and English with the National Extension College.

Stuart received a learning pack and was assigned a tutor for each subject. He was able to call his tutors whenever he needed help, and one of them - Ruth Cole - even went to visit his ship. “She was great,” he recalls. “She came to see how I was getting on and to find out what my study conditions were like.”

Another positive outcome of his studies has been the effect on his family. “After seeing what I’d done, my wife decided to get a Certificate of Education, and she runs her own training company now. Also, I think it’s been good for our 12 year old daughter to see us both studying - it encourages her to achieve too.”

After completing his GCSEs within a year, Stuart then went on to study a degree in mechanical engineering with the Open University.

Stuart Peters, Royal Fleet Auxiliary
GCSE Maths & English

Army Education Centre (AEC)
The Educational and Training Services Branch of the Adjutant General Corps provides education to serving personnel and thier dependants wherever they are based around the world.
It provides, through a network of Army Education Centres, a broad range of educational opportunities including advice and guidance, courses for promotion, personal development and Basic Skills.

there is a 20% forces discount available on the following courses: GCSEs, A Levels, IGCSEs and Childcare courses, just add the code:FRCES. * Introduce a friend to distance learning with NEC and we'll give you £25 to spend at Marks & Spencers! * Use your Tesco Club Vouchers. Deal Tokens can be used as part or full payment for an NEC course. * Only one discount can be used with each course booking! *

Adult education in Germany and Cyprus

There is a great new website created with the Services schools website. It is primarily aimed at School leavers but all post 16 courses are available to adult learners. It has a great search engine for all courses available to dependants at your local education centres.