Courses Archive - Skills for Life

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 (£20,319), you can take a level 3 qualification for free. Hundreds of courses are available across different sectors, including, health and social care, accounting and construction.

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.

Learn more

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

Learn more

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.

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

Learn more

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

Learn more

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

Learn more

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

Learn more

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. HTQs are currently available in digital sector subjects, with new subjects - in construction, and health & science - launching in September 2023. By completing an HTQ, you will achieve a Level 4 or 5 qualification.

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

Learn more

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

Learn more

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

Learn more

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

Learn more

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

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)

Further Support