5 reasons you’ll want to upskill in 2026 – and how East Sussex College can help
If you’re ready to upskill, retrain, or take your next step in education, East Sussex College can help you unlock new opportunities in 2026.
Our adult courses are designed to build confidence, develop practical skills, and open doors to fresh career pathways. Here are 5 reasons thousands of adults come and study with us every year (number 3 might surprise you).
1, Strengthen your CV
Many of our adult courses lead to qualifications that employers value – from Access to Higher Education Diplomas to career-boosting professional certificates.
For Bryan and Julie Wells, the Barista Skills course provided practical training that translated directly into new opportunities. Bryan shared, “After five short weeks, we had the hands-on skills and knowledge for the Level 2 qualification.” They now put those skills into practice every day at their son’s café, First Serve.
“From the moment we walked in to book the course to the final exam evening, it was a professional, friendly and welcoming experience. Interacting with customers and new work colleagues, whilst using the new skills to a certified level, has been the most satisfying thing.”
2, Advance your skills
Whether you want to learn beauty techniques, digital marketing, leadership, or technical skills, our courses help you build expertise that stands out.
Digital SLR Photography student Jakub Kurek used the course as a launchpad for his creativity and confidence. “Since completing the course, I’ve been shortlisted for a photography award,” he said. This just goes to show how far new skills can take you with the right tutor support.
“I highly recommend this course to anyone starting their journey in photography. The tutor’s feedback inspired me to share my work and enter competitions, and the whole course was delivered in a fantastic, encouraging atmosphere.”
3, Boost your wellbeing
Learning isn’t just about qualifications – it can enhance your mental health and overall wellbeing. It can be energising, motivating and improve your overall happiness. Whether you’re exploring water colours, counselling, or a hands-on creative subject, our courses offer a positive space to grow.
Designer Maker student Madeline Poole found a creative community that supported both her wellbeing and her artistic development. “We’ve made a nice little family,” she said, reflecting on the welcoming studio environment and specialist facilities that helped her flourish.
“We’re a close-knit community, sharing ideas and stuff - it’s really great. I’d definitely prefer that to a bigger class! It’s not every college or university that you have a whole ceramics studio – I don’t have to outsource anything!
“Studying locally is good because I can live at home with my family and not worry about paying for accommodation – being local is great, and the train station is right next door, so even if I was further away it’s easily accessible.”
4, Build your confidence
Learning alongside others, developing new abilities and achieving personal goals can be an incredible confidence boost.
That’s exactly what Silvia Spankova experienced on our Person-Centred Counselling course. She told us, “College can give you the right support to achieve your goals,” highlighting the value of one-to-one guidance, smaller classes, and a supportive local environment that helped her balance work, family and study.
Reflecting on her experience, Silvia described it as “incredible, sometimes challenging and encouraging.” She added, “My fondest memory has been meeting people and getting to know them personally. The biggest advantage is completing the course, gaining a qualification, and enhancing my personal and professional development.”
5, Open career or business opportunities
Upskilling can shape a new chapter in your life, whether that means turning a hobby or side hustle into a career, a promotion at work, or starting a new business venture. You could even study online to fit around your other commitments. Take a look at our free e-learning courses or our accredited and non-accredited online courses.
Whether your goal is confidence, creativity, career progression or a brand-new direction, East Sussex College has a course to help you get there.
Learning has no age limit so why not make 2026 the year you find your fix.