Free upskilling & Training
With rising costs of pretty much everything, some employers are cutting back on their overheads such as training & development. It doesn't have to be the case. In the UK we have access to lots of free and funded opportunities for employers to up-skill their employees, and for learners to develop their skills to increase employment opportunities. We have put together a summary of the courses available.
Team Leading
Available to: 19+ living in the UK
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Ideal for: This qualification is designed to provide learners with the knowledge and understanding required to successfully lead a team.
This will focus on the study of leading a team in a business environment.
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Cost: Free
Start the course here: Link
Free Courses for Jobs
Available to:
Adults who are unemployed, earn below the National Living Wage annually (£18,525), or do not already have a level 3 qualification.
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Ideal for:
Whether you’re looking to progress in your current industry or want to try something new, building on your existing strengths with a free qualification can help you on the path to a better job.
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Cost: Free
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Find out more at: Link
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English – Essential
Available to: Adults living in England who do not have a GCSE in English at grade C (equivalent to grade 4 or CSE grade 1)
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Ideal for: English courses can improve your communication skills, helping you progress in work and everyday life. Reading, writing, speaking and listening are all skills needed by employers, so boosting yours could help you take the next step to a better job. All courses lead to a recognised certificate, whether it is an entry-level course, or a level 1 or 2 course (equivalent to GCSE).
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Cost: Free
Find out more: Link
Apprenticeships
Available to: Adults not already in full-time education
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Ideal for: There are hundreds of apprenticeships to choose from in a wide range of different occupations, from data science to business or construction. There is no upper age limit, which means you can start an apprenticeship at any stage of your life.
Whether you’re just starting out, want a change, or even looking to progress in your current industry, apprenticeships are a great option.
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Cost: Funded by the government and employer
Find out more: Link
The Skills Toolkit
Available to: It’s open to everyone, whether you’re out of work or thinking about changing jobs, have just graduated, or just keen to keep your mind healthy and busy – there’s something for you.
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Ideal for: The Skills Toolkit is a range of free, high-quality online courses designed to fit around you. Using the Skills Toolkit could help you build up your skills, boost your CV and progress in work.
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Cost: Free
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Find out more: Link
Sector-Based Work Academy Programme (SWAPS)
Available to: Jobseekers claiming either Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
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Ideal for: Someone looking for a short term course of 6 weeks. Sector-based work academy programme (SWAPs) is an opportunity to learn new skills and get experience of working in a particular industry.
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Cost: Free
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Find out more: Link
Mental Health First Aid
Available to: 19+ living in the UK
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Ideal for: anyone interested in helping to build a culture of care that gives you the skills to support others with mental health problems in the workplace.
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Cost: Free
Find out more: Link
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Skills Bootcamps
Available to: Adults aged 19 and over looking to update or build their skills
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Ideal for: If you’re aged 19 and over and looking to change sectors or progress in your current industry, a Skills Bootcamp could be your next step to a better job. These flexible courses last up to 16 weeks and allow you to gain skills employers are looking for.
You will also be guaranteed a job interview at the end of the course.
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Cost: Free
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Find out more: Link
Multiply
Available to:
Adults who do not already have a GCSE at grade C (or equivalent) in maths
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Ideal for:
If you’re aged 19 and over and don’t have maths GCSE at grade C (or equivalent), you can access free numeracy courses through Multiply to build your confidence with numbers and gain a qualification.
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Multiply is launching this year. Take the test here where you can improve: Link
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Traineeships
Available to: Those with a level 3 qualification or below (equivalent to A levels, T Levels, BTECs or a higher technical diploma) Age 16 to 24 (or 25 with an Education and Health Care Plan)
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Ideal for: A traineeship is designed to help you gain the work based skills and experience you need to progress into an apprenticeship, job or further education. As part of the traineeship you’ll receive high-quality training, complete a work experience placement, and receive CV and job application support.
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Cost: Free
Find out more: Link
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Digital Essential Skills
Available to: Adults who do not have the essential digital skills needed for work and everyday life
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Ideal for: These courses will give you the essential digital understanding you need for work and everyday life, such as using a computer or other digital devices, and staying safe online.
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Cost: Free
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Find out more: Link
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Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)
Available to: Adults living in England looking to gain specialist technical skills and a qualification
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Ideal for: Whether you’re looking to take the next step in your chosen career or want to retrain into a new industry, an HTQ can help you gain the skills you need for a specialist technical job.
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Cost: government-funded loans may be available
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Find out more: Link