AS a new academic year approaches, it's not just youngsters who are preparing to go back to the classroom Adults are also being encouraged to learn new skills, take up a hobby or brush up on their maths or English.

In a fresh wave of new opportunities, Learn Devon is welcoming people to sign up to one or more of their courses this Autumn.

Many residents in Devon have already benefitted from Adult Learning and as one explains, it's opened up several new doors...

30 year old Sam White from Totnes was working in academia and decided to take up a course in stone carving in 2012.

Sam had also been studying politics part time at Exeter University but wanted to learn how to carve stone and become more 'hands-on' with the material.

He says "I really enjoyed learning a new skill and gaining a new interest. The tutor was great and really inspirational. I would thoroughly recommend anyone to this course."

Sam signed up to two more courses in 2013 at the Mansion in Totnes and eventually decided on a career change to further his stone masonry skills.

What's more, he was chosen to be part of the Monty Don Traditional Crafts programme screened earlier this year on More4 as one of the stone carving participants. Sam says taking part in this TV programme was the best thing about the whole experience.

51 year old Paul Allaway from Barnstaple recently achieved his Level 2 English qualification in Bideford. Paul has dyslexia and in the past has had difficulties with text-based learning.

He says "I didn't have a good experience at school and found there were too many distractions in the classroom. The course with Learn Devon was in a small group which helped me pick things up better. Getting this qualification has proved I can achieve, it has been important for me to know I can pass things, I just need more time. It has given me confidence to try new things and I would tell people that there are opportunities out there for them, try it, don't give up."

Paul has now moved onto a maths course and is enjoying this very much.

Cabinet Member for Community and Environmental Services for Roger Croad says; "Learning a new skill can mean many things whether it's a new-found confidence in English or Maths or for some, a chance to make friends and become more involved with their community. Whatever they have come away with, it's good news for our learners and good news for Devon as a whole and I would encourage residents to see what they could achieve."

Come and find out more about Learn Devon and the courses we offer at one of our open events in September.

North Devon

See demos of our courses and have a go, talk to centre staff or sign up to one of our courses with free computer access.

Ilfracombe, Two Lanes Centre Tuesday 9 September 2014, 9am – 7pm Demos 2-4pm and 5-7pm Demos / workshops include go green, French, open computing, pottery, creative textiles and Tai Chi Qigong.

Bideford, The Arts Centre Wednesday 10 September 2014, 9am – 7pm Demos 2-4pm and 5-7pm Demos / workshops include French/ Spanish, digital cameras, copper jewellery, creative textiles and dressmaking.

South Devon

Opportunity to talk to centre staff, sign up to one of our courses with free computer access or check out your English and maths skills in a free assessment.

Totnes Thursday 4 September 2014, 4.30pm – 6.30pm Friday 5 September 2014, 10am – 12noon Visit our charity second hand book sale

West Devon

See demos of our courses and have a go, talk to centre staff or sign up to one of our courses with free computer access and see an exhibition of work from previous learners.

Tavistock, Alexander Centre Thursday 11 September 2014, 9am – 9pm Demos 2-4pm and 5-7pm Demos include painting and drawing, batik, languages, open computing, digital photography, creative writing and guitar.

Celebrate your success event 7.30-8.30pm. This is an invitation for last terms learners to celebrate their exam results, and encourage them to continue learning.

For more information, go to www.learndevon.co.uk