Unlock your potential

Find training, support and advice to gain the skills you need for the job you want

Training Courses

Free Courses for Jobs

If you don't have existing A levels (or equivalent), are unemployed or you earn below the National Living Wage annually (£18,525), you can take a level 3 qualification for free. Hundreds of courses are available across different sectors, from accounting or construction to courses in early years, digital, catering, adult care and more.

19 and over The courses are free. You may also be able to get additional financial support to pay for childcare, travel and other costs. Speak to your course provider to find out what support is available.

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Multiply

Multiply offers easy access to free numeracy courses where you can gain a qualification, and build your confidence in using numeracy at work or in everyday life.

19 and over Free - Multiply is fully funded by the government

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Skills Bootcamps

Free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks to build up sector-specific skills and fast-track to a job interview. Skills Bootcamps are available in digital, technical, construction and green skills that are in-demand in your local area.

19 and over Free - funded by the government if you are taking the course yourself and not through your employer

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Digital – Essential Skills

If you do not have the essential digital skills needed for work and everyday life, you can learn these skills and study towards an Digital Essential Skills Qualification for free.

19 and over Free

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Numeracy – Essential Skills

If you don't have a GCSE at grade 4 in maths (or equivalent) you can learn the essential numeracy skills you need for work and everyday life for free. You can study for a range of free qualifications, from entry level up to level 2 (equivalent to GCSE)

19 and over Free

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English – Essential Skills (including ESOL)

If you do not have a GCSE in English at grade C (or equivalent), you can gain essential English language skills for free. English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) courses are also available.

19 and over English - Essential Skills qualifications are free. ESOL courses may be free or part-funded depending on your level of income or employment status

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Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)

Specialist technical qualifications that will help you to gain the in demand skills you need to get a higher-technical job or prepare you for further study. Launched in late 2022, the first HTQs focus on digital sector subjects like Cyber Security or Software Development, with further sectors coming soon. By completing an HTQ, you will achieve a Level 4 or 5 qualification in your subject area.

18 and overVaries depending on the course and provider, government-funded loans may be available

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Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is a real job where you learn, gain experience, and get paid. They are available in a wide range of industries and there’s no upper age limit. An apprenticeship will give you the skills and experience you need to work in your chosen industry.

16 and over (no upper age limit) Free - funded by the government and employer

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Traineeships

Traineeships are a work-based skills development programme for young people with little or no work experience. They are a stepping stone to an apprenticeship, job or further education, helping young people to gain the skills and experience needed to progress into work.

16-24 (or 25 if you have an EHCP)Free

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The Skills Toolkit

An online platform giving you easy access to free, high-quality courses in digital, numeracy and transferable skills. Developed by leading training providers, all courses are flexible and open to everyone, so you can boost your skills at your own pace.

All agesFree

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Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP)

If you’re looking for a job and are currently claiming Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), a SWAP can help you learn new skills, gain industry experience, and enhance your CV for free.

Visit Job Help

Advice and Guidance

National Careers Service

If you need more help to understand which opportunity might be right for you, speak to a qualified careers adviser at the National Careers Service for free, impartial careers advice.

Learn more Contact us

Skills Assessment

Learn more about your existing skills and match them to potential careers by taking one of the National Careers Service Skills Assessments.

Assess your skills

Find a Course

Find a course for you, including Free Courses for Jobs, The Skills Toolkit and Essential Skills courses in Digital, Numeracy and English.

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Explore Careers

Explore over 800 career profiles to discover what jobs in different sectors involve and whether it’s the right job for you.

Search job profiles

Female engineer working in a job in STEM

View all advice and guidance

Further Support

JobHelp

Get information and resources to help you find job opportunities in a range of sectors.

Visit JobHelp

Young People - Get the Jump

Looking for information about the choices you have at age 16 or after you turn 18? The National Careers Service can help you get the jump on the education and training choices available for you.

Visit Get the Jump

Employers - Join the Skills Revolution

Find out more about the range of training and employment schemes available to help your business grow.

Find schemes for your business

Teach in Further Education - Share your Skills

Whether you’re an engineer, plumber, lawyer or anything in between, your skills could make you a great Further Education teacher. You can teach alongside your current job and you don't need a degree to teach in Further Education.

Share your skills

View all further support

Unlock your potential

Training Courses

Free Courses for Jobs

Multiply

Skills Bootcamps

Digital – Essential Skills

Numeracy – Essential Skills

English – Essential Skills (including ESOL)

Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)

Apprenticeships

Traineeships

The Skills Toolkit

Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP)

Advice and Guidance

National Careers Service

Skills Assessment

Find a Course

Explore Careers

From apprentice to CEO: Andy Palmer’s story

Need advice on skills? Here’s how the National Careers Service can help you

Everything you need to know about The Skills Toolkit

A job in STEM could be for you – here’s how you could get there

Further Support

JobHelp

Young People - Get the Jump

Employers - Join the Skills Revolution

Teach in Further Education - Share your Skills