Brixham Connections are joining forces with 'Go4', the adult learning advice service, to promote a new advice surgery.

The Thursday morning advisory surgery, which will be held at Brixham Town Hall Connections, kicks off with an 'Open Day' on February 2, from 9am-4.15pm. A representative from 'Go4' will be on hand to answer questions, accompanied by partnership members Jack Oakden from Brixham-based "Workroute" and Marie Hubbard from Brixham Community College.

Torbay Council's Executive Member with responsibility for Connections, Cllr Roger Stringer, said: 'This will be an excellent opportunity for members of the public to come and talk openly and find out what career information and opportunities are available through linking up with 'Go4'.

'The Open Day will incorporate a new informative exhibition that will be on permanent display at Brixham Connections from 2nd February, with information on how to get advice and guidance about changes of career or starting an adult learning course to obtain new skills and qualifications.'

The Go4 Information, Advice and Guidance service will be available at Brixham Connections from 12th February 2004.

Jess Warburton, Community Information Adviser said: 'I will be available to give advice and help people to sort out ideas for the future. This will include a training plan, information about career routes and qualifications, how to get started, and even how to write a CV and prepare for interviews.'

Information will also be available on topics like getting help with childcare while training. The advice is free, and appointments can be booked via the Go4 Enquiry Line: 0845 8 50 50 70. Further Go4 details can also be accessed via the Go4 website: www.go4lw.co.uk.

Said Jess: 'The Go4 service helps adults to make more of their job, learn something new, improve skills, or start voluntary work. The service is funded by the Learning and Skills Council and supports the need for us all to increase our skills.

Senior Community Education Tutor Jenny Harriman, has been involved in the Go4 project. She said: 'Community Education at Brixham Community College has always offered educational advice and guidance to the public. Now that the Go4 partnership has evolved we have been able to expand this service considerably.

'Our advisor, Marie Hubbard, has found there is a lot of need for the service with mums - and sometimes dads - who want to improve their skills or get back to work, perhaps in a new direction, after having a break to bring up the children. Marie will be able to give people lots of help and information about the many opportunities available.

'We have a wide range of courses at the college but if what people need isn't in our prospectus we can help them find it. Our specialised computer software can match interests and situation with suitable careers. With the mobile laptop, the programme can be made available almost anywhere and takes about 40 minutes to complete.

'One of our clients who has already taken advantage of this free service has said that the advice has been very encouraging and helpful and has helped him to improve his skills as well as his confidence."

'We are grateful to Torbay Council for giving us the opportunity to be at Brixham Connections, to reach out to all members of the community and raise awareness of the service provided by 'Go4' and our partners. It would be fantastic if through these exhibitions we could increase the career opportunities of the local community and open up opportunities that may previously have seemed unobtainable.'

An appointment can be made with Marie by telephoning Community Education on (01803) 853302.

FOR more Devon news, order a regular copy of the Sunday Independent. FIRST. BEST. EVERY SUNDAY...