Free courses for jobs

As part of the Lifetime Skills Guarantee, a targeted Level 3 adult offer (which will support the development of new skills for adult learners and improve prospects for eligible adults in the workplace) has been developed to support adults aged 24+ without an existing full Level 3 qualification.

Adults that already have a Level 3 qualification may be eligible for an additional free Level 3 qualification if they meet the unemployed or low wage criteria.

Eligibility for funding:

The courses listed below are part of the Free Courses for Jobs scheme, offering fully funded learning opportunities for those who meet the following criteria:

  1. Age: Must be 19 or older by August 31, 2025.
  2. Residency: Must reside within either the North East Combined Authority or Tees Valley Combined Authority areas.
  3. Income: Must be unemployed or earning below the specified income threshold.
  • North East Combined Authority: £30,000
  • Tees Valley Combined Authority: £32,210
  • North East Combined Authority: Includes County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside, and Sunderland.
  • Tees Valley Combined Authority: Includes Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland, and Stockton-on-Tees.

Once funded under this scheme, a learner has exhausted their eligibility for further Free Courses for Jobs funding.

Please bring proof of income or unemployment to your enrollment for the funded course. Recommended documents include a recent wage slip, a Universal Credit statement, or another form of income verification dated within three months of the course start date.

Study with us:

The fees information is correct at the time of publishing. Please note, this is subject to change.

You will have the opportunity to come to one of our enrolment events and speak to one of our team who will be able to give more information on funding for your course.

Learn more about our free courses for jobs

National Skills Fund