The offer of the free qualifications, including the Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator), is available to take up from today (1 April), for any adult aged 24 and over who has not already achieved a qualification at Level 3, which is equivalent to A-levels.
All students wishing to take up this funded offer for a Level 3 qualification must have started it by 31 July 2021, in order to qualify for the free training place.
It is backed by £95 million in Government funding during 2021/22.
The Government said the roll out marks a major milestone in the delivery of the landmark Lifetime Skills Guarantee announced by the Prime Minister in September 2020.
The Guarantee aims to transform the skills system so everyone, no matter where they live or their background, can gain the skills they need to progress in work at any stage of their lives. It will also ensure employers have access to the skilled workforce they need, and more people are trained for the skills gaps that exist now, and in the future, ministers said.
In an attempt to ensure that unemployed people can take full advantage of these courses, the Government will pilot an extension to the length of time they can receive Universal Credit while undertaking work-focused study.
Those undertaking the courses will now be able to train full time for up to 12 weeks, or up to 16 weeks on a full-time skills bootcamp in England, while receiving Universal Credit to support their living costs.
This aims to allow access to more training options and provide a better chance of finding work, while continuing to receive the support they need.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, ‘As we cautiously lift lockdown restrictions, the government’s focus is on recovering from the pandemic and building back better.
‘The Lifetime Skills Guarantee is fundamental to that – with free courses giving adults the expertise they need to find new, better jobs.
‘My message is clear. At every stage of your life, we will help you get the skills you need to train, retrain, and get into jobs you want and our economy needs.’
Education secretary Gavin Williamson said, ‘The launch of these free qualifications for adults is a pivotal moment in the delivery of our Lifetime Skills Guarantee, which will make sure everyone can train, retrain or upskill throughout their lives.
‘As we build back better and rebuild our economy, it is vital we level up more opportunities for people across the country and help more people progress in work.
‘This offer will help give millions of adults the chance to gain the skills they need to secure rewarding careers in key sectors of the economy including construction, healthcare and digital. With almost 400 to choose from, there is something there for everyone.’
Work and pensions secretary Therese Coffey MP said, ‘Helping people get the skills they need is a central part of our Plan for Jobs which is already supporting people of all ages into work as we build back better from the pandemic.’
- For more information, visit Qualifications in new funded offers - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) and click on the excel spreadsheet for 'List of qualifications included in the National Skills Fund – level 3 adult offer'.
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The link below takes you to the list of colleges/providers that are offering courses under the Level 3 offer. The DfE is advising people to get in touch with their local college/providers directly to find out what courses they are running and when.
