There's nothing worse than long, dark, winter nights when all you do is sit at home in front of the…read moreTV. That's why evening classes are such a great idea, they are a perfect way to liven up your mid-week, learn something new, have fun and meet people. I've been attending art classes through Open Learning for the last few years which have included acrylic, watercolour and oil painting and I've loved every minute. A great way to relax, de-stress and pick up new skills. Open Learning which is based within Queen's University Belfast have been running adult day and evening classes for decades. The range of courses offered is extensive and includes art, complementary therapies, languages, computing, photography, creative writing, first aid, history, politics, music, wine tasting and philosophy plus many more options. Full course details can be found online at: http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofEducation/StudyattheSchool/OpenLearning/ Classes are taught in 10 weekly sessions starting each year in autumn, new year and spring. You need absolutely no prior qualifications or experience. It's just a case of enrol, pay a reasonable fee and turn up for class. Enrolment takes place online, by telephone, post or in person by dropping into the Open Learning Office located in 20 College Green, Belfast. There is an option to build up CAT (Credit Accumulation and Transfer) points and gain a Certificate if you wish. Or you can just do the classes for fun, as I do. I promise you will not be disappointed with these brilliant, interesting, leisure classes.

North City Training offers course for school leavers from ages 16 to 18 for routes to employment…read more This is a valuable asset for youngsters who have no idea what the want to do and have no desire to pursue further education in terms of university for example. They offer apprenticeship listings for those wishing to pursue a trade and also offer NVQ's for various skills and roles within the workplace. My nephew recently began a mechanic apprenticeship with North City and they were very helpful in providing him with all the advice and help needed to make his choice.

Part of the newly named Northern Regional College, the site also contains thee, I think, unusually…read morenamed Cafe Lamont. Whilst it does have a small cafe within it, and when I used to drive past it and before actually enrolling on a course myself, I thought this was all it was ( ie a cafe). It is actually a place of study for a number of the colleges part-time/hobby courses and a much nicer atmosphere for the older or more mature student. Some of the courses can be done to City & Guilds level there too, which is a great bonus.

This college is now part of Northern Regional College which includes Antrim, Magherafelt,…read moreNewtownabbey, Jordanstown, etc. Still the same college, teachers and courses but re-branded. Various campuses specialise in different subjects/courses. Courses offered full-time and part-time include both vocational courses and academic courses, such as GCSEs, AS and A Levels, NVQs, RSAs, Excedel, etc and range from non qualification to Access to University courses.