North Middlesex University will be offering free courses for unemployed graduates and employees of small firms in Waltham Forest, following the successful turnout for last year's courses.

European Union money is enabling this to take place. The courses will be aimed at obtaining extra qualifications, such as IT and business management skills, for people who would like to broaden their qualifications or find employment.

The 15-week course is now in its fourth year and has helped many people find employment.

Adolphe Guy Buoho, who attended the course last year, is now employed as a marketing and promotion manager for a local publishing and training firm. He said: "The course gave me the self-confidence and skills to find a very good job."

The next course will run from September to December. Small and medium sized businesses (those with fewer than 250 staff) will also have the opportunity to improve their employees' qualifications and abilities.

This year's free courses include Certificate in Management, Advanced IT Skills (Word and Excel), Risk Management, Skills Audit and Business Development for Community Benefit.

Further information can be obtained from Roger Mahon on 8880 4955 or write to Unit 141, Lee Valley Technopark, Ashley Road, London N17 9LN.

For further information on the courses, contact North Middlesex University Innovations on: 0208 8880 4775, or by e-mail at: info@leevalley.co.uk