We regularly receive information on a wide range of courses and training opportunities in Pembrokeshire and Wales wide. Whilst we can't feature them all here, we have selected some that may be of interest.

Click on any of the links below to see more information about the course.

Are you interested in natural history or the environment?

"Wildlife and Natural History" with Michael Isaac

Starts Thursday 23rd September 7pm-9pm

at The Bloomfield Centre, Redstone Road, Narberth.

Swansea University (Department of Continuing Education) are running a course in Narberth for anyone who may be interested in learning more about natural history or the environment. This will begin in September 2010, and will introduce you to some of the different types of countryside in the area, to some of the animals and plants that live there and why they do. The course will also look at other aspects of the environment, such as how it is being changed by human activity. There will be plenty of slides to illustrate the talks, so come along to see what the “environment” is all about. There may also be some field visits during the course.

Fees: £30 (waged); £20 (discounted); Passport to Study £5.

For further details ring 01792 602211

Reaching Wider

Reaching Wider is a Wales wide project which aims to encourage and inspire people from disadvantaged communities to engage in higher education. Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire are covered by the South West Wales Partnership.  Rebecca Griffiths is the new Western Development Officer and she is currently looking for groups to work with who would be interested in finding out more about higher education.  Activities could include visits to a local university where taster workshops can be held for you.  All events and activities are free and transport can also be arranged.

To find out more please contact Rebecca on 07970 288075 or email r.griffiths@swansea.ac.uk.

Pembrokeshire Mind is offering Mental Health First Aid Training.  The course, which can also be booked by organisations wishing to deliver this training to staff or service users on an in-house basis, is of 12 hours’ duration: four x 3 hour sessions.  For in-house courses the training can be run over two days or four mornings or afternoons and the minimum participants per course is 8 (14 maximum).

For a limited period of time, Pembrokeshire Mind can offer FREE places for unpaid carers on the course.  Free places are available for any carers, not just those caring for people with mental health problems!

The course costs £75.00 per person for the two days, and includes the Mental Health First Aid manual and all refreshments.

The cost for those wishing to arrange block bookings or in-house courses are negotiable – please contact Pembrokeshire Mind to discuss your requirements.

For the dates of the next course, or for more information please contact:

Maxine Ford or Lydia Price

Tel:      01437 769982

Email:   maxinepembsmind@aol.com

Web:    www.mhfa-wales.org.uk

Listed below are the current schedule of courses being delivered by WCVA

Gift aid registration – five simple steps to Gift Aid

Thursday 2 September – Aberystwyth

Introduction to Welsh Politics

Thursday 9 September, Cardiff

Introduction to local government

Tuesday 14 September, Cardiff

Introduction to campaigning and lobbying 

Thursday 16 September Cardiff

Influencing the Assembly

Tuesday 21 September, Cardiff

Using social media for successful campaigning

Thursday 23 September  Cardiff

Being heard - support surgeries

Tuesday 28 September, Cardiff

Managing risk across your organisation

Wednesday 29 September , Aberystwyth

An introduction to legacy fundraising

Thursday 30 September, Aberystwyth

Train the trainer

Monday 18, Tuesday 19 October & Monday 8 November – Carmarthen

Book online via the website, contact helpdesk on 0800 2888 329 or e-mail help@wcva.org.uk - For further information including course content and learning objectives please visit  www.wcva.org.uk

FREE Community Courses

Why not give learning a Go?

The STEP Project aims to deliver quality learning opportunities with nationally recognised qualifications across Pembrokeshire. Classes are held in local venues and aim to help beneficiaries remove any barriers and gain confidence whilst enriching their lives and their communities through learning.

All course materials are provided. Classes include, Card making, Sugar Craft, Computers, Health & Fitness and First Aid.

For advice and guidance on course choices or for further information

please contact 01437 753 139 e-mail community@pembs.ac.uk

Support with care costs can be arranged by contacting Emma James or Jill George, Adult Guidance Mentors Phone 01437 753 191 or email community@pembs.ac.uk

Further information available at: www.pembs.ac.uk/step

MiDAS Training

The Minibus Drivers Awareness Scheme is based upon best practice and designed to help improve minibus safety, as well as enhance passenger service and comfort. Pembrokeshire Association of Community Transport Organisations (PACTO) offer MiDAS training (theory and practical) for £35, which includes a manual and certificate. Refresher training is also available for those whose certificates have expired (certificates valid for 4 years). Training sessions are held around the County according to demand. To accommodate applicants who also work full time, training can be tailored to individual needs. MiDAS training is available for Minibuses, Cars and MPV's. Minibus Emergency Evacuation Training and Passenger Assistants Training can all now be arranged by PACTO

For further information or informal chat please contact Cliff Richmond on 01994 240772 or email to Richmondc@btinternet.com

If you are looking for something specific that doesn't appear to be running locally or in Wales, email us and we'll look through the information held, or put you in contact with someone who may be able to help.

To publicise any courses you may be running please contact Louise Wilkinson on 01437 769422 or email information to training@pavs.org.uk