Courses and training
Courses, training and funding
Where to find a real course, apprenticeship or bootcamp – and the schemes and certificates that matter in particular trades. Details checked September 2026.
Find training and funding
Official services for every career on this site: search for apprenticeships and courses, and check what help there is with costs.
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Apprenticeship search
Find an apprenticeship
GOV.UK
The official GOV.UK service for searching and applying for apprenticeship vacancies in England.
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Course search
Find a course
National Careers Service
The National Careers Service search for college and training provider courses in England, including Skills Bootcamps.
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Funding
Free Courses for Jobs
Skills for Careers (Department for Education)
Government-funded Level 2 and Level 3 courses for adults aged 19 or over in England who are out of work or earn under the income threshold (£25,750 as of September 2026).
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Funding
Advanced Learner Loan
GOV.UK
A loan for course fees on Level 3 to 6 courses at an approved college or training provider in England, if you are 19 or over. No credit checks; you repay only when you earn over the threshold.
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Higher level
Higher technical qualifications (HTQs)
Skills for Careers (Department for Education)
Level 4 and 5 courses taking 1 to 2 years, approved against employer standards. A step up from a trade into technical, supervisory or design roles.
Training for particular careers
Routes, schemes and qualifications for specific trades. Each one lists the careers it helps with.
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T Level
Find a T Level near you
T Levels (Department for Education)
Two-year technical courses for 16 to 19 year olds in England, with an industry placement of at least 315 hours. Search for schools and colleges offering the T Level you want.
Helps with:
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Skills Bootcamp
Skills Bootcamps
Skills for Careers (Department for Education)
Free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks for adults aged 19 or over in England, ending with a guaranteed job interview. Subjects include construction, engineering, heat pump technology and HGV driving.
Helps with:
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Short course
Apprenticeship units
Skills for Careers (Department for Education)
Short courses of 30 to 140 hours for employed people aged 19 and over in England, arranged by your employer. Units include EV charging point and solar PV installation, electrical and mechanical fitting, and mechanised welding.
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Funding
Heat Training Grant
GOV.UK
A government grant towards heat pump installation training in England for eligible heating engineers and small businesses. Check the current amount and eligibility on GOV.UK.
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Assessment
Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA)
Electrical industry scheme
A route to qualified electrician status for people who already have several years of electrical experience. It is not a shortcut for beginners.
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Assessment
ACS gas assessments
Explained by LCL Awards
The Accredited Certification Scheme is how experienced gas engineers show their competence, which is needed for Gas Safe registration.
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Safety training
GWO Basic Safety Training
Global Wind Organisation
The wind industry's standard safety training, covering first aid, manual handling, fire awareness, working at height and sea survival.
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Trade training
Cytech bicycle technician training
Cytech
Industry training for bike mechanics created by the Association of Cycle Traders, running from an online Theory One course through Technical One, Two and Three.
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Trade training
Locksmith training
Master Locksmiths Association
Training courses from the locksmiths' trade association. There is no compulsory qualification to trade as a locksmith, so research any course carefully before paying.
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Trade training
Dog grooming courses
Pet Industry Federation
The Pet Industry Federation's range of courses and qualifications for pet professionals who work with dogs.
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Trade training
Tiling training
The Tile Association
The Tile Association offers training and training support from beginner apprentice to Master Craftsman, and helps experienced tilers gain an NVQ and CSCS card.
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Certification
CompTIA A+
CompTIA
An industry certificate for people starting in IT support. Optional, but valued by employers.
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Online learning
Microsoft Learn
Microsoft
Microsoft's own online training modules and learning paths, useful for building IT support skills alongside a course or job.
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Check any paid course carefully before you sign up: ask what qualification or industry card you will get, whether it is recognised by employers in that trade, and how much practical, on-site experience is included. For regulated work such as gas and electrics, a short course alone will not make you qualified – see our career change guide.