The Free Courses for Jobs programme is here to help adults gain valuable qualifications and get back into training.

If you’re eligible, you can access fully funded Level 3 courses in high-demand sectors like healthcare, engineering, education, and more. These courses are designed to give you the advanced skills employers are looking for, so you’re ready to take the next step in your career.

Who is eligible for free courses as part of the Free Courses for Jobs programme?

For some courses you can get a free level 2 or 3 qualification as part of the Free Courses for Jobs programme, if you:

  • Are 19 or over and do not already have a level 2 or 3 qualification, your earnings threshold will be taken into consideration
  • You already hold a Level 2 or 3 qualification or higher and you have a postcode which is part of the East Midlands Combined County Authority, and you are unemployed or employed and you earn less than £33,796.80* gross annually; OR
  • You already hold a Level 2 or 3 qualification or higher and you live in a non-devolved area, such as Leicestershire or Lincolnshire and you are unemployed or employed and you earn less than £26,800* gross annually
  • *Please note: If you live in another devolved authority OR your annual gross income is more than the specified amount shown above, you will not qualify for the Free Courses for Jobs programme.
  • For Access courses, if you are aged 24+ you will need to pay the tuition fees or take out an Advanced Learner Loan.

You must be aged 19 or over to access funded full-time learning.

Which courses are offered as part of the Free Courses for Jobs programme?

Courses that will be funded for eligible adult applicants are below:

Advanced Professional Cookery (Level 3 City & Guilds Diploma) - Full-time

Applied/ Biomedical/ Analytical and Forensic Science (Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma) - Full-time

Award in Education and Training (AET) (Level 3) - Part-time

Bricklaying (Level 2 City & Guilds Diploma) - Full-time

Coaching and Mentoring (CMI Level 3 Certificate) - Part-time

Electrical Installation (Level 2 City & Guilds Diploma) (19+) - Part-time

Electrical Installation (Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma) - Full-time

Engineering Technologies – Electrical and Electronic Technology (EAL Level 3 Diploma) - Full-time

Engineering (City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate) - Full-time

Engineering (pathways include Welding or Mechanical Manufacturing) (City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma) - Full-time

Hospitality Supervision and Leadership (Level 3 City & Guilds NVQ Diploma) - Full-time

Painting and Decorating (Level 2 City & Guilds Diploma) - Full-time

Plastering (Level 2 City & Guilds Diploma) - Full-time

Plumbing Studies (Level 2 City & Guilds Diploma) - Full-time

Site Carpentry (Level 2 NOCN Diploma) - Full-time

Site Carpentry (Level 3 NOCN Diploma) - Full-time

Understanding Mental Health (TQUK Level 3 Certificate) (19+) - Online Learning

Access courses

Please note: the following Access courses are only available as part of the Free Courses for Jobs programme for adults aged 19-23 with a postcode that is part of the East Midlands Combined County Authority or live in a non-devolved area. If you are aged 24+ and/or live in another devolved authority you will need to pay the tuition fees or take out an Advanced Learner Loan.

Access to Higher Education: Creative Industries (Art and Design Route) (19+) - Full-time

Access to Higher Education: Creative Industries (Computer Games Production Route) (19+) - Full-time

Access to Higher Education: Creative Industries (Digital Content and Photography Route) (19+) - Full-time

Access to Higher Education: Criminal Justice and Policing Studies (19+) - Full-time

Access to Higher Education: Health Professions (Nursing and Midwifery) (19+) - Full-time

Please note: you will need to speak to the Enrolment Team to check if you qualify, as funding is very complex for these courses.