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Free courses for jobs

Details of the free courses and qualifications for adults (19+) available through the government’s Plan for Jobs including eligibility criteria and how to apply.

Overview

As part of the government’s Plan for Jobs, if you are 19 or over you could now access a course for free.

The free courses include level 3 qualifications and Skills Bootcamps. The courses are paid for by the government from the National Skills Fund.

Free qualifications for adults

If you are 19 or over and do not already have a level 3 qualification (equivalent to an advanced technical certificate or diploma, or A levels) or higher, you can access a free qualification.

Some of these qualifications are available to study online or part-time.

You may be able to get help to pay for childcare, travel and other costs.

The courses will help you:

gain qualifications that are needed and valued by employers
improve your job prospects
progress in work
earn a good wage

Eligibility

You can access one of the free level 3 qualifications if you are aged 19 or over and do not already have a level 3 qualification (equivalent to an advanced technical certificate or diploma, or A levels) or higher.

Some of these qualifications are available to study online or part-time, and you may be able to get help to pay for childcare, travel and other costs. In some instances, you may need to meet admissions criteria for the course you choose to apply for. For example, you may need to have studied a particular subject before at a lower level.

Previously, if you were aged 24 or over, you would have had to pay the course fee for these qualifications. Now, many colleges and training providers have funding available to cover this cost for you.

If you’re 19 to 23 years old, you could also access additional qualifications for free. If you’re in this age group, contact your local college or the National Careers Service for further information.

If you already have a level 3 qualification, Advanced Learner Loans are available to help you cover the costs of learning, which you pay back when you are earning over a certain amount.

Subjects available

You can choose from hundreds of level 3 qualifications to help you on the path to a better, well-paid job.

Qualifications are currently available in:

accounting and finance
agriculture
building and construction
business management
childcare and early years
digital
engineering
environmental conservation
health and social care
horticulture and forestry
hospitality and catering
manufacturing technologies
mathematics and statistics
medicine and dentistry
public services
science
teaching and lecturing
transportation operations and maintenance
warehousing and distribution

See the full list of free level 3 qualifications available in a range of locations across England.

Locations
Free level 3 qualifications are on offer for eligible adults across England.

You can use the National Careers Service course finder to search for courses available in your area and see which providers deliver them. A full list of colleges and training providers offering free places for level 3 qualifications is also available.

If you want to study a particular course that is not listed as on offer at any of your local colleges or training providers, you can contact them directly to find out if they plan to offer your chosen course in future.