We can trace our roots back over 100 years, but we were officially founded in 1919. Since the early days we have offered distance learning courses, initially through correspondence courses and most recently using our state-of-the-art virtual learning environment.
Since 1967 we have delivered our courses only through distance learning. We remain an entirely independent self-funded charity.
CEM milestones

WEATHER VANES

Surrey based Gillett & Johnston has been supplying and installing clocks, bells and weathervanes since 1844 and are one of a few specialist companies capable of carrying out restoration of this type of equipment. 

Recently they were contacted by St John's Church in Bethnal Green because the weathervane was in danger of becoming a safety hazard.

Many projects require specialist equipment and there is a skill in knowing the best product for any particular job. Experience and technical knowledge are paramount in making the right choices.

A new lighting scheme has been designed for The Catholic Church of St Teresa in Morden, Surrey by church lighting specialists, HSE Lighting and Electrical Services. 

Keim Mineral Paints have been used by award winning, London based artist, Gary Drostle, to paint a trompe l'oeil mural at Chester’s Roman Amphitheatre, which was discovered back in 1929.

After a successful couple of months since opening its doors to the public, Melton Carnegie Museum’s new £1 Million gallery was officially opened last week on Friday 4 February, by author and broadcaster, Paul Heiney, from the television series Countrywise.

The Worshipful the Mayor of Wrexham, Cllr Jim Kelly KSG was joined by renowned Welsh Historian, Prof John Davies at the official opening of the newly refurbished Wrexham County Borough Museum and Archives today. (Monday 14th February).

HLF has today announced an overall budget of £250m for new grants next financial year (March 2011-12) – £45m more than the budget for the current year.

 
The construction industry is a winner too with news that a restored classical Georgian church and a former temperance hall are among projects to benefit from winning £3.2m in funding for two Pembrokeshire towns.

 
A former Kent railway station which once echoed to the sounds of thousands of hop-pickers making their annual visit to the county is on track to provide more new business opportunities for modern-day companies.

 
Mansell has won a £2.8 million contract to repair and restore a Grade I Listed Monument, Hadlow Tower in Kent for Vivat Trust.

The contract requires work to the existing octagonal and square towers which together form Hadlow Tower. It includes the reinstatement of render and missing precast and moulded decoration and the reconstruction of the dismantled lantern at the top of the octagonal tower. A new steel support structure will replace the existing timber frame on several levels.