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Stacy from Harlow

Stacy Case study photo

Stacy works 24 hours a week for a local specialist timber company in a demanding role helping new and existing customers with their orders and dealing with new customer enquiries.

In addition, she is a wife and a mum to two young children in a busy home. Stacy felt the part-time e-learning courses from Harlow College were a perfect way to gain some additional personal development. The 'study when you can' promise of the online learning programme allowed Stacy to time-manage and to fit in her learning around a busy home and work schedule.  

The first course Tracy studied was Understanding Mental Health in Children and Young People. This Level 2 course is a nationally recognised qualification and deals with emotional wellbeing and mental health issues in children and young people. Having successfully completed the course and being awarded the completion certificate, Stacy turned her attention to studying a Level 2 Counselling Skills e-Learning course.  

Stacy said: “I would highly recommend the e-Learning programme. You learn interesting and useful skills and knowledge, at your own pace and you also develop great new time-management skills! 

“To be successful, I’ve become far more organised with my time and plan carefully where and when to study, so that I have peace and quiet to concentrate without too many interruptions; this is where the e-learning flexibility in invaluable.” 

e-Learning FAQs

I’ve never done a distance learning course before. What's involved?

Once you have applied and enrolled online you will then be sent your login details, login portal link and your target dates via email.

How much time do I need to commit to completing the course?

As most of our courses are Level 2 (the equivalent of a GCSE) we advise you to commit a minimum of 4 hours a week to be able to manage the deadlines comfortably and fulfil the learning requirements. The full course duration varies course by course and is dependent on units, but typically can be completed in 6 weeks to 10 weeks.

Do I get deadline dates for the assessments to be completed?

Yes. The nature of e-learning means that you learn independently and deadlines help to keep you focused and engaged.

Are your courses recognised by employers?

All our courses are accredited by UK government-recognised awarding bodies. These include NCFE CACHE, with whom we work closely to ensure our existing courses, and all new ones, meet approved standards of excellence and are certified as such. NCFE CACHE is a national awarding organisation which designs, develops and certifies nationally recognised qualifications and awards.

Do I have to sit an exam?

No. You will work through a series of assessments on all courses.

Will I be charged if I withdraw from my course?

We do not charge if you wish to withdraw from your course. We accept that sometimes there are exceptional circumstances where it simply isn’t possible for you to complete your course. Where possible, we will work with you to find an appropriate solution.

What support will I receive during my studies?

You will receive support from a dedicated online tutor throughout your studies. They will send you a welcome note via the E-Assessor system to introduce themselves. If you have any queries prior to submitting your first assignment please email

How do I receive feedback?

You will receive feedback each time you complete a unit and when you complete the qualification, via the E-Assessor system, so log-in regularly to check.

I have completed the qualification, what happens now?

Your work will go through internal and external quality assurance processes before we claim for a certificate. The external processes can take up to 9 months to complete (depending when in the academic year you completed your course). Once these are complete you will receive your certificate in the post.

What technology do I need to complete an e-Learning course?

You will need a laptop, computer or mobile device with a stable internet connection. If you are having any technical issues whilst completing your course you can contact the e-Learning Team