Courses for unemployed / low skilled

dacouch

Hi,

I read a thread on here a couple of months ago that people with a small amount of GCSEs may be able to go on free courses (Funded by the government) to learn a trade.

I mentioned this to a friend of mine who is on benefits and also has a small amount of GCSEs and he is interested in learning a trade (Plumbing or Electrician) using this scheme. I cannot find the thread on MSE anymore and wondered if anyone could point me in the right direction so I can find the information for him.

Thanks for your help

gargantuan_2

Tell him to go into the Job Centre and ask for an appointment with an adviser. They'll be able to tell him about it (it's different for individual areas of the country with regards to what funding is available)

briona

Hi dacouch

From the link below:

If you don’t already have GCSEs, A levels or equivalent qualifications, you may be able to study for them without having to pay any tuition fees. You’ll be able to get free tuition:

• for a course which leads to your first full Level 2 qualification
• if you’re under 25, for a course which leads to your first full Level 3 qualification

A full Level 2 is equivalent to five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C, and a full Level 3 to two A levels. But you’re not limited to just GCSEs and A levels. You could, for example, choose to do an NVQ or BTEC qualification that fits in with your career plans.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/AdultLearning/FinancialHelpForAdultLearners/DG_10033130

Hope that helps!

Briona