Business Gateway Shetland offers support and learning opportunities tailored to support individuals at every stage of their business journey. Adults can access free webinars covering essential topics like marketing, finance, and e-commerce, as well as one-to-one advice from experienced business advisers. The service also provides digital skills training, including a Digital Health Check and specialist support in areas such as social media and cyber security. Whether you're starting a business or looking to grow, Business Gateway Shetland delivers practical guidance, strategic planning, and connections to further resources and funding.
Welcome to our Learn elsewhere resources section!
We’ll be adding and refreshing resources on a regular basis, so check back often to see what’s new.
Other Local Learning providers
Gaada is a vibrant artist-led organisation which offers studio space and resources for artists to develop their practice. Provides one-on-one workshops for artists with additional or complex support needs, emphasizing accessibility and inclusion.
Shetland Arts provide a diverse range of workshops and educational programmes for adults, including relaxed life drawing sessions, focused traditional music workshops, and for those seeking formal qualifications, accredited Creative Industry courses in collaboration with UHI Shetland.
Shetland Library provides access to study materials, eBooks, and a 24-hour online catalogue, making it easy to learn at your own pace. Whether you're brushing up on skills, exploring new subjects, or preparing for exams, the library offers a quiet space, knowledgeable and supportive staff. Their weekly ‘Click Shetland’ sessions provide adults with digital skills support, and their lending extends to laptops and mobile devices, to support your learning journey.
Shetland Museum and Archives offers a variety of learning opportunities for individuals, families and groups. These focus on Shetland’s rich heritage and culture, and include events, workshops, and access to museum collections and archives for personal or academic research. Downloadable educational packs and activities are also available for remote learning.
Skills Development Scotland (SDS) offers support for adults looking to upskill, reskill, or change careers. SDS provides free, impartial career advice through face-to-face sessions, online tools, and helplines. They connect adults with funded learning opportunities, including apprenticeships, college courses, and short skills-based programmes. SDS helps adults prepare for employment with CV workshops, interview coaching, and job matching services.
The Council’s Sports Development team help adults involved in sports clubs or associations improve their leadership, management, and operational skills through guidance on governance and best practices. They also offer sport-specific and general coaching courses, including First Aid, Child Wellbeing and Protection in Sport, Disability Inclusion, and Technical Official training.
UHI Shetland offers flexible and accessible learning opportunities, designed to support career development, personal growth, and lifelong learning. Whether you're looking to upskill, retrain, or pursue a new interest, you can choose from part-time courses, vocational training, apprenticeships, and degree-level study across diverse subject areas including marine science, creative industries, business, and health. Learning is delivered both on-campus in Lerwick and Scalloway and online.
Voluntary Action Shetland (VAS) offers a variety of training opportunities for adults involved in community groups, voluntary organisations, and charities. These include practical courses such as Keeping Adults & Children Safe, Treasurer Training, Understanding Finances, and Roles & Responsibilities of Trustees. VAS also partners with The Skills Network to provide access to free, online courses for personal development and staff training.
National Learning providers
The WEA (Workers’ Educational Association) is the UK’s largest voluntary sector provider of adult education. Its mission is to bring high-quality, accessible learning to adults, especially those who may have missed out on education earlier in life. Courses include arts, history, languages, digital skills, health, and more. Many classes are delivered online, making it accessible to adults wherever your location.
OpenLearn is a free learning platform provided by The Open University as part of its commitment to support community wellbeing through accessible education. OpenLearn offers FREE, flexible opportunities, from quick five-minute reads to immersive 24-hour learning journeys. With over 1,000 free courses, interactive articles, videos, and online games, OpenLearn makes it easy to learn at your own pace, anytime and anywhere.
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) offers a mix of in-person and online courses designed to equip crofters - both newcomers and experienced - with practical skills to navigate climate change, evolving regulations, biodiversity, horticulture, grant schemes and sustainable crofting practices.