Gloucestershire College has launched a series of free, online courses designed to help keep people learning and support businesses.

The courses, which are delivered completely online, cover areas such as business, IT, customer service and care to help develop professional skills, train staff or prepare for a career change.

While the content is on a self-study basis which can be fitted around work or family life, learners have access to support from a dedicated online support team.

Courses include:

• Principles of End of Life Care
• Prevention and Control of Infection
• Understanding Working in the Health Sector
• Nutrition and Health
• IT User Skills
• Business and Administration
• Customer Service
• Lean Organisation Management Techniques
• Equality and Diversity

The Level 2 qualifications are similar to GCSE grade A*-C or 4-9 and provide great additions to a CV.

Each course can be completed in 15 weeks or less with progression options and related courses available at Gloucestershire College for those who decide to study further.

The college's head of commercial Amie Nutbrown said: "We understand that in the current climate it's difficult for professionals, parents and anyone to think about their next steps career wise or simply develop their skills.

"Our solution is a series of nationally-recognised online courses in core areas such as business, care, IT and management, which are completely flexible on a self-study basis, with the added bonus of personalised support from our team.

"Anyone can enrol on these courses for free and get qualified in 15 weeks or less, giving them plenty of time to plan their next professional steps or learning goals."

The free short courses are part of a wider range of online-led courses available at Gloucestershire College, including business and finance, access to HE, health and social care, apprenticeships and languages.

To view the full range and apply, visit gloscol.ac.uk/online-learning