Apprenticeships are real jobs that allow you to earn a wage while you learn. You'll work alongside experienced staff to learn on the job.
Age
16 and over
Cost
Free and you get a wage
Time
1 to 5 years
T Levels
A T Level gives you a mix of learning in the classroom and on the job. Businesses and employers helped design T Levels to teach you the skills you'll need.
Age
16 to 19
Cost
Free
Time
2 years
Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)
HTQs are technical qualifications that employers have helped develop so you can get the right training and skills you need to succeed at work.
Age
18 and over
Cost
Depends on the course
Time
1 to 2 years
Vocational Technical Qualifications (VTQs)
VTQs are practical qualifications to help you gain skills and experience in a specific job or sector, such as childcare or engineering.
Age
16 and over
Cost
Depends on the course
Time
1 to 2 years
A levels
A levels are subject-based qualifications usually assessed by exams. You usually choose 3 subjects to study but you can take more or fewer.
Age
16 and over
Cost
Free if you're under 19 years old
Time
2 years
Higher Education
Higher education is the name for qualifications and courses you can take after 18. It includes diplomas, foundation years, bachelor degrees and more.
Age
18 and over
Cost
Depends on the course
Time
1 to 5 years
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.
Age
19 and over
Cost
Free
Time
Depends on the course
Skills Bootcamps
Skills Bootcamps teach you skills for specific careers and sectors with a guaranteed job interview at the end.
Age
19 and over
Cost
Free
Time
16 weeks
Multiply
Multiply is a list of maths courses to help build your confidence with numbers at work.
Age
19 and over
Cost
Free
Time
Depends on the course
Essential Skills
Essential Skills courses teach you the skills you need for everyday life and most jobs.
Age
19 and over
Cost
Free
Time
Depends on the course
Skills Toolkit
The Skills Toolkit is a selection of courses you can take in your own time to learn new skills.
Age
16 and over
Cost
Free
Time
Depends on the course
Supported internships if you have an education, health and care plan
A supported internship is an unpaid work-based study programme that can help you take the first step from education into the workplace.
Age
16 to 24
Cost
Free
Time
6 to 12 months