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Free courses and additional training for your employees

Free training, financial support and career advice available to your workforce.

Some of the benefits of your employees taking a free course or training outside of employment include:

  • upskilling your existing employees
  • progressing your current employees into higher skilled roles
  • filling vacancies or skill shortages within your business
  • gaining a workforce with the right knowledge, skills, and behaviours for your company to succeed

Free training for basic skills (English, maths and digital)

Free English, maths, digital courses, and qualifications for adults.

English and maths entitlement

In England, any adult who does not already have a level 2 qualification (GCSE grade 4 or equivalent) in English or maths is legally entitled to fully funded study up to level 2. 

Your workforce gets the potential to progress, and your business increases its productivity.

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

Adults can be fully or part-funded to study for ESOL qualifications from entry-level to level 2.

ESOL improves English language skills which provides a clear return for individuals and the economy. 

Full-funding is available through the Adult Education Budget (AEB) if individuals:

  • are unemployed, looking for work and in receipt of certain benefits
  • in low-wage employment 

Some AEB-eligible learners can have up to 50% of the course cost paid for through a Government contribution.

In 9 Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs), AEB funding is allocated locally as well as in the Greater London Authority (GLA). Therefore, in these areas, eligibility may differ. 

Free level 3 qualifications for adults

Any adult aged 19 or over who does not already have a level 3 qualification (equivalent to A levels or an advanced technical diploma) can choose from over 400 free level 3 courses to help them boost their earnings or get a better job.

These qualifications are also available to adults who are unemployed or earning below the National Living Wage annually (£18,525 from April 2022), even if they already have a level 3 qualification or higher.

The qualification list has been developed with input from industry representatives to deliver the skills your business needs.

You or your employees can find out more at: Free Courses for Jobs

National Careers Service

The National Careers Service is free to use and can help you explore work and skill opportunities for your workforce.

Find out more about the National Careers Service and how to contact them.