Anyone wanting to carve themselves out a brand new career next year should take the first step to making that happen by getting online and signing up for an adult educational course.

Potential learners only have until January 31 in order to get a big discount on many courses with Adult Community Learning Essex, with a 20 per cent discounts available before the New Year for many subjects.

Professional qualifications, apprenticeships and leisure courses are all available with subjects including accounting, law, photography, jewellery- making, pottery and languages.

Free English and maths functional skills courses are also available as well as fast track GCSEs which could be free if you didn’t get an A to C grade previously.

Adult Community Learning Essex is running a #nostoppingme campaign, highlighting the potential opportunities its courses can create for people, and is also offering a 20 per cent discount for Essex residents on all nonaccredited courses booked before 31 December 2015.

Councillor Ray Gooding, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “Adult Community Learning offers a wide range of courses with the potential to open new doors for people, and the start of a new year is the ideal time to get started.

“Whether you are looking to improve your job prospects, start your journey towards a new career or pursue personal interests, I would encourage you to have a look at what’s on offer.

Visit essex.gov.uk/adult-learning or call 0345 603 7635.