A COLLEGE is offering free courses to adults looking to retrain.

South East Essex College in Southend offers the free courses under the Government's Train to Gain initiative and they vary from professional cookery, vehicle maintenance and repair, and health and social care.

They are all GCSE level equivalent qualifications.

The college is holding an event to promote the courses with a presentation at its theatre pod.

Liz Phillips, Train to Gain officer at the college, said: "We are excited to offer this initiative which will be of interest to the many businesses in the town who are looking to train their employees or for anyone wishing to get back into the work place."

One of the successful students is Margaret Hockey who returned to education after 34 years to do a course to become a teaching assistant at the college.

Although she doesn't finish the course until next month, she has already been offered a job as teaching assistant at Grove Infant School in Rayleigh.

Mrs Hockey, 50, from Rayleigh, said: "I've been offered a position as a direct result of doing this course. I never thought I would have the confidence to do it, but I have been given so much support from staff and family.

"My self-esteem was just so low, but with lots of encouragement from teachers I wouldn't be where I am today.

"I'm really glad that I stuck with the course."

To find out more about the courses call 01702 220600.