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Free courses for jobs

The government might pay for you to take a course that helps you learn new skills or apply for work, depending on your circumstances.

Subjects you can take

There are over 400 different courses available.

You can choose from a variety of subjects, including accounting, digital, health and social care, construction, early years, catering, agriculture and more.

Entry requirements

The government will pay for you to do a course if you’re 19 or older and you either:

  • earn less than £25,750
  • are not in work

Depending on where you live, there might be different rules about how much you can earn to do a free course. You can check this with your local course provider.

Qualification level you’ll earn

You can get a level 2 or level 3 qualification depending on the course you take.

The subjects available at level 2 are construction, engineering or manufacturing.

Most level 3 subjects are available. The qualification you’ll get depends on which course you do, such as Vocational Technical Qualifications or A levels.

View what qualifications levels mean on GOV.UK.

Find free courses for jobs

All courses are flexible to fit around your life. They vary from a few weeks to a year and courses are available online, in person, full time or part time.

Find free courses through the National Careers Service

After your free course

The courses are designed to help you gain skills employers look for and could help you earn a higher wage.