Adult Education Budget and Skills for Life

MrsStepford

These are government schemes to upskill people and are free properly accredited courses

Eligibility depends on your geographical location as there seem to be regional schemes too. If you are 19-23 and not an apprentice, you'll need to have a Level 2 qualification. If you're over 23 you don't need any. 

If you drop out, you'll get charged £125 admin fee but since the courses are distance learning with a tutor, ask for extra time or help if you need it, first. As there isn't a good selection of courses in Kent yet, I did a course at Wiltshire College and University Centre and my tutor was great and really helpful.

TIP: Courses are accredited by NCFE, CACHE or TQUK at Level 1 or Level 2. Individual colleges may have Level 3 available but you will usually have to pay for that. Don't be taken in by internet searches offering you pseudo colleges with registration fees etc. Look up websites for proper colleges in your area or another area. There's a list you can find on gov.UK too. 

Skills for Life makes Level 3 courses available free of charge to anyone who doesn't have one already. You can be unemployed, working and on benefits, or working on a decent wage but with no Level 3 qualification. You only get the one free course. 

The Level 1 and 2 courses cover health and social care, business administration, team leadership, customer service, health and nutrition, management, environmental awareness, autism, diversity, mental health, team skills - loads of subjects. You can do up to seven courses in an academic year, online, one after the other. 

Another way of learning using free courses, is OpenLearn from Open University. Free courses at Levels 1 to 3. Big range of subjects, varying lengths. You always get a free statement of participation if you complete the course and sometimes a digital badge from Open University too. 

The cheapest CPD I have come across so far, accredited by CPD ( saw one course also accredited by TQUK) were online at Halesowen College. They have teamed up with The Skills Network, to offer online  courses for £10 each. 

El_Rey

The free Skills Bootcamps that are running nationwide are ideal for anyone looking for a change. They are open to all regardless of employment status, but are better suited to those not in full-time employment because of the time needed to undertake the course. 

Dakta

I did a tquk level 2 in team leadership and was surprised i got it for free as being in FTE i expected to have to pay something toward it. Im now going into a level 3 team leadership scheme sponsored by my employer and can definitely recommend getting your teeth into these where available.

Yes it will cost you some personal time but theres nothing shabby about investing in yourself. 

MrsStepford

@Dakta I love your quote: "there's nothing shabby about investing in yourself" !!! Well done on your achievement and nice to see your employer helping you achieve your goals.