Women who have completed return to work courses have been presented with certificates at a special awards ceremony.

The students, who have been taking part in the Energise programme run by Braintree College, have completed their courses in Halstead, Takeley and Stansted.

Jacquie Watts, principal of Braintree College, Church Lane, presented the students with their certificates.

The courses include skills such as working with computers, first aid, business administration, assertiveness and relaxation.

The next Energise courses are due to start in February, 2005, in Witham and Dunmow.

They are free and their primary aim is to help women brush up their skills to either return to the workplace or go on to further study.

They are partly funded by Braintree College and the European Social Fund.

Help is given with childcare costs and the courses run in term time and fit in with school hours.

The only stipulation for entry is that women are aged between 25 and 59, and are unemployed or working less than 16 hours a week.

For further information on the Energise courses, contact the college on 01376 321711 ext 2035.

Published Wednesday November 17, 2004