Smillie promotes 'bite size' courses

Ms Smillie says the courses are held in a friendly environment

Television personality Carol Smillie has been sending e-mails for the first time as part of a campaign to get adults signing up for "bite size" courses.

These "no threat" short courses of between one and three hours are free and will be taking place in colleges, community centres, pubs and supermarkets in England.

The great thing about 'bite size' is that it helps people to learn a new skill or pick up an old hobby

Carol Smillie

Subjects on offer include use of the internet, sign language, cookery and CV writing.

Last year an estimated 70,000 people took up the chance of going on a bite size course, with more than four out of 10 going on to do further learning.

Launching this year's initiative, Ms Smillie said: "My seven year old daughter just got a PC and knows more about email than me, so I thought I had better do something about it."

New skills

"The great thing about 'bite size' is that it helps people to learn a new skill or pick up an old hobby in a friendly, fun environment," she said.

"We hope they enjoy this taste of learning and go on to try even more."

The bite size scheme is run by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), a national organisation responsible for promoting and funding learning for those over the age of 16 in England.

The bite size intros is part of the LSC's aim to help people change their lives through learning.

The bite size initiative will run from 20 May to 21 June. More information is available by calling 08080 200 500 or visiting www.bitesizeintros.info.