Student using a 3d printer

Boosting your skills

Many of today's fastest growing jobs didn't even exist five years ago. Here's some ways that you can keep pace with the job market by boosting your skills.

My World of Work

My World of Work is brought to you by Skills Development Scotland – Scotland’s national skills agency. It's the online home for career information and advice.

Careers Wales

Helping people plan their career, prepare to get a job, and find and apply for the right apprenticeships, courses and training.

National Careers Service

National Careers Service in England that provides information, advice and guidance to help people make decisions on learning, training and work.

Advanced Learner Loan

Advanced Learner Loans help with the costs of a course at a college or training provider in England.

Digital participation

The Scottish Government are working to increase the number of people using digital services by helping communities to develop digital skills and confidence.

Free courses for jobs

If you’re an adult without A Levels or equivalent, you could be eligible to take your first Level 3 qualification for free. Hundreds of courses are available across a range of sectors, from accounting to construction, or early years.

Improve your English, maths and IT skills

Free online courses for anyone who wants to get inspired and brush up on their everyday skills in maths and English.

Intensive Personalised Employment Support

Intensive Personalised Employment Support is one-to-one support and training to help you into work if you have a disability.

EnglandScotlandWales

Job Entry Targeted Support (JETS)

Job Entry Targeted Support (JETS) is a light touch employment programme for people who have been out of work and claiming either Universal Credit or New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance for at least 13 weeks.

EnglandScotlandWales

Job Growth Wales

Jobs Growth Wales is a programme run by the Welsh Government for 16-24 year olds in Wales.

Learner support

For those aged 19 or over, on a further education course and facing financial hardship. The money can help pay for things like accommodation and travel, course materials and equipment or childcare.

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Mature Students: University and Funding

Course entry requirements vary - check with the university or college. Some universities will accept professional qualifications or relevant work experience. Other qualifications people may need: A levels, An Access to Higher Education course, NVQs, BTEC or other work-based qualifications

Skills Bootcamps

Skills Bootcamps are flexible courses of up to 16 weeks, giving adults aged 19 and over the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills and fast-track to an interview with a local employer.

Student finance

If you’re a student from England you can apply for Tuition Fee Loans, maintenance Loans and Maintenance Grants (if your course started before 1 August 2016)

The Skills Toolkit

The Skills Toolkit is an online platform giving access to free, high-quality digital, numeracy and employability courses to help people build up their skills, progress in work and boost job prospects.

Welsh Government Learning Grant FE

Welsh Government Learning Grant FE is an income-assessed grant of up to £1,500 that aims to encourage more people to continue with their education.

Resources

From online tools to job boards and apps, we have collated some of the most useful resources available to help you boost your skills.

Barclays LifeSkills

Giving you the skills, knowledge and confidence you need for work with tools, tips and learning resources

Information and adviceSkills and trainingTools & apps

Google Digital Garage

Digital Marketing courses and resources.

Skills and training

The Open University

Free training tools designed to help people find a job

Skills and training

The Princes Trust

One-to-one support, advice and guidance you need so you can continue to develop your confidence and upskill.

Skills and training

Educators Wales

Educators Wales is the place for you to access information, training and career opportunities in teaching

Information and adviceSkills and training

Employment 4 students

Student recruitment

Information and adviceSkills and training

LinkedIn

Recruitment and networking

Information and adviceJob boardsSkills and training

Skills to Succeed Academy

Courses

Skills and training

Skills Assessment

Find out about careers that might be right for you by taking one of The National Careers Service assessments

Skills and trainingTools & apps

CIPD Steps Ahead Mentoring

Mentoring for Youth

Information and adviceSkills and training