STAFF trying to improve their prospects, and those without jobs, on Sheppey, can join a learning course to sharpen their skills. The Learndirect course, organised by the Island Partnership which provides training for unemployed people, offers more than 2,000 subjects ranging from retail and distribution to customer care and information technology.

The courses are available to those already working who want to improve their qualifications. They are free for people who are working but claiming family tax credit, and to those on any other benefits.

Those taking part can use computers at libraries in Sheerness, Queenborough, Minster, Teynham and Sittingbourne. Island Partnership staff are on hand to help at Sheerness, Sittingbourne, Teynham and Faversham libraries on some weekday mornings.

Learndirect is funded by University for Industry, a government body. For further details contact the Island Partnership at Trinity Road, Sheerness, on 01795 596700 or at its new office in Phoenix House, Central Avenue, Sittingbourne.