The Prime Minister has said that the future of British businesses will rely on a skilled workforce. So, if you want job security in these tough economic times, it's hugely important to make sure you have the up-to-date skills that employers value.

You may be thinking, "How can I? I can't afford to take time out from work to study."

"Study at home with a home learning college," is the answer. Distance learning courses offer a simple way to combine your existing commitments with flexible home learning, allowing you to study at home in comfort, in your own time and at your own pace.

Why study at home?

Distance learning is not only convenient - home learning students absorb and retain information from study at home far better than in a classroom environment. In a study conducted at California State University, students on distance learning courses achieved significantly higher test scores (Schutte, J. G., 1996).

With distance learning courses there are no barriers. You can study anywhere with access to the Internet. People all over the world of all ages have used home learning courses to help them achieve advancement in lucrative careers such as bookkeeping and IT.

Training with home learning courses can help you make a successful career change. Distance learning provides access to recognised qualifications in a great variety of industries; qualifications that open doors to interesting, well-paid careers.

Finding a home learning college

Your home study is an investment in yourself, so an important task is to choose a competent, industry recognised home learning college.

A good home learning college will provide:

? distance learning courses leading to industry accredited qualifications
? full support from experienced tutors on all home study courses
? assessment of your abilities and guidance on appropriate home study courses
? comprehensive and carefully structured course work.

The best colleges also give students access to the latest technologies, such as live Internet training.

IT training courses

A wide range of people have found taking IT courses to be a fascinating, life-changing experience.

Like to problem solve? Become a computer engineer through IT home study. Creative? Why not try a web design course and start your own small business?

Courses range from the basic, brushing up your MS Office skills before a return to work, to advanced IT courses in programming and networking skills.

Even with no previous experience, IT home study can help you move into this exciting field. And if you already work in IT, training courses on more advanced subjects can help you move up the ladder. As many employers are actively seeking out employees with up-to-date IT skills and qualifications, accredited IT training courses offer an ideal way to get ahead.

The wonderful advantage of taking IT courses through distance learning, which applies to all home learning courses, is that the time and length of your course fits your needs and not the needs of a college. When you study at home with a good home learning college, you learn as best suits you, and you succeed.