TAKING THE NEXT STEP at work or changing roles and moving into a new industry can feel like stepping into the unknown, which can be daunting.
But the government’s Skills for Life campaign is helping people get the skills they need, whatever stage of life.
Whether you want to boost your skills to get a promotion in your current workplace, switch to a whole new in-demand sector or get back into work, Skills for Life offers hundreds of free opportunities for adults to gain new skills and qualifications to help them get a better job.
The Skills for Life website offers free courses in digital skills and numeracy, and sector-specific training or qualifications such as Apprenticeships, Higher Technical Qualifications, Free Courses for Jobs, and Skills Bootcamps.
Here are four reasons for you to unlock your potential right now.
1. Fantastic flexibility and affordable opportunities
With opportunities ranging from short courses of a few hours to paid apprenticeships or Higher Technical Qualifications, you can choose a course that fits in with your existing commitments, such as work and childcare.
There is a range of on-the-job training, face-to-face classes, and online courses available for you to choose from.
Many courses and qualifications are free and for eligible candidates there may be financial help available to cover expenses such as childcare and travel, or support for tuition fees and maintenance loans.
When it comes to apprenticeships, you can even earn as you learn.
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2. Plenty of variety
The government-funded courses offer opportunities in a wide range of sectors from digital and green to health and social care, construction and engineering.
You might want to gain your NVQs or core GCSEs, study for additional qualifications to boost your career, or discover skills that employers are looking for and where there are currently skills shortages.
Whatever your aim, there’s a broad range of subjects and levels to choose from.
3. Career change
It can feel daunting when it comes to learning something new, but thousands of people across the UK have boosted their work and careers with government-funded training helping them get skills for life.
Many have gained confidence, improved wellbeing and gone on to further study, a promotion or new job.
4. Make an impression
Adult learning can open up more job opportunities, improve your earning power and increase career security.
From gaining first-hand experience and shaping your CV, to courses that come with the offer of a job interview at the end, adult learning is a great way of getting noticed by employers, whichever industry you’re in.
Lucky numbers
Kath Keats completed a free Level 3 qualification in accounting with Free Courses for Jobs – it opened up a whole new career
“I’m 61 and had been doing secretarial work for over 20 years when my husband, who’s a chartered accountant, suggested I try accountancy. He thought I’d enjoy it – and he turned out to be right!
“After gaining a Level 2 qualification through a private training provider, I discovered I could complete Level 3 for free at Darlington College, thanks to Free Courses for Jobs through Skills for Life.
“I was a bit nervous about going into a college environment but wanted to prove I could do something like this at my stage in life.
“I took to it like a duck to water and found it so rewarding.
“The classes were flexible so I could still work part-time, and after graduating I got a job as a financial administrator at a local building society.
“If you’re older, learning a new skill or changing careers gives you a great opportunity to look at yourself differently.
“Instead of thinking, ‘I'm too old for that,’ you’ll realise you can bring so much to the table. You just have to be given the opportunity. I’d say to others, go for it – jump in with both feet.”
Choose your path
Free Courses for Jobs
Whether you’re looking to progress in your career or try something new, you can gain the skills employers value with a free Level 3 qualification.
Get on the path to a better job in sectors such as accounting, health and social care and education.
Skills Bootcamps
These free, flexible courses can help you gain skills employers are looking for in 16 weeks or less.
You’ll then be fast-tracked to a job interview. Most adults aged 19 or over may apply.
Essential Skills
These courses will help you gain the literacy, numeracy and digital skills you need for work and everyday life, and are recognised by employers.
If you are aged 19 and over and do not have a GCSE in English or maths at Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent), you can study and take GCSEs or Functional Skills Qualifications free of charge.
If you have little or no experience using computers and other digital devices, or have few digital skills, you can study an Essential Digital Skills qualification free of charge.
Apprenticeships
Whether you want to progress in your current industry or try something different, an apprenticeship is your chance to learn and gain experience while getting paid, in a wide range of job roles.
Higher Technical Qualifications
HTQs will help you gain the skills that employers want, leading you to a specialist job or further study.
Developed with employers and delivered by industry experts, an HTQ is typically cheaper than a degree and will lead you to a Level 4 or 5 qualification.
Multiply
Multiply offers free courses and support to build confidence with numbers. To qualify, you need to be aged 19 or over and without a maths GCSE at Grade C/4 or above (or its equivalent).
Courses start at beginner level and are available on a part-time or intensive basis. And there are drop-in taster sessions.
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Want to know more? Visit the Skills for Life website at skillsforlife.campaign.gov.uk, or call the National Careers Service on 0800 100 900
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