Free skills: bootcamps, courses and advice

If you want to change career, pick up new skills, or retrain in the UK, you don't have to pay for professional guidance or formal training. The government funds several free pathways to help adults gain qualifications and secure better jobs, whether you are working, unemployed, or claiming benefits.

National Careers Service: Your free 1-to-1 guidance

Before you commit to any course, consider getting personalised advice from a qualified careers adviser. The National Careers Service is a free service for anyone aged 13 and over living in England and offers guidance on learning, training, job search, and career decisions.

You can access support in three ways: by phone on 0800 100 900 (calls are free from landlines and most mobile numbers), through webchat on their website, or face-to-face in your local area. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday 8am–8pm and Saturday 10am–5pm. Adults aged 19 and over can book one-to-one appointments with a qualified careers adviser who will help you assess your skills, explore job options, improve your CV and interview technique, and find training that suits your circumstances and local job market.

• Assess your current skills and strengths
• Explore different career paths and job roles
• Get help writing and improving your CV
• Practise interview skills
• Find and search for suitable training courses
• Understand local job opportunities

Skills Bootcamps: 12–16 weeks to a job interview

Skills Bootcamps are free, short, flexible training courses lasting up to 16 weeks designed in partnership with employers to fill real job vacancies. They focus on practical, in-demand skills rather than traditional academic study and are available across England in sectors including digital, construction, engineering, data science, healthcare, and green energy.

Who is eligible?

• Aged 19 or over
• Living in England
• Have the right to work in the UK (including visa holders with permission to work)
• No prior knowledge in the subject is usually needed

Bootcamps are open to employed, unemployed, and self-employed people. If you claim Universal Credit, you can apply for a Bootcamp and continue to claim benefits while studying. The government funds the full cost, though your employer may contribute a small amount if you are sponsored through them.

What is the format and outcome?

Courses can be classroom-based, online, on-the-job, or a blend of these. Many offer flexible scheduling with part-time and full-time options to fit around work and family. Crucially, all participants are guaranteed a job interview with a real employer once they complete the course. Some bootcamps include formal qualifications or nationally recognised certificates, while others focus on building practical skills and confidence.

To find and apply for a Bootcamp, use the National Careers Service website or search on gov.uk for 'Skills Bootcamp'. You will see available courses in your region with full details. Contact the training provider directly to confirm eligibility and apply. Application processes are straightforward and you do not need to pay anything.

Free Level 3 courses: First qualification at no cost

If you do not already have a Level 3 qualification (the equivalent of an Advanced Technical Certificate, Diploma, or A Levels), you can study your first full Level 3 qualification for free as part of the government's Lifetime Skills Guarantee. This applies to adults aged 19 and over in England. You are also eligible if you are aged 19 or over, earning below the National Living Wage, or currently unemployed—even if you already have a Level 3.

Level 3 courses are available in a range of subjects designed to improve job prospects and meet local skills needs. These include vocational qualifications, A Levels, and BTEC qualifications in areas such as business, healthcare, IT, childcare, construction, and engineering. The government pays the course fees in full if you are eligible.

How to find and apply for free Level 3 courses

Use the National Careers Service course finder to search for free Level 3 courses available near you. You can filter by distance, study mode (online, part-time, evening, or full-time), and subject. Once you find a course, contact the college or training provider directly to confirm your eligibility, check admissions requirements, and apply. If accepted and eligible, you will not be charged a course fee. Some courses may offer additional support for childcare, travel, and other costs.

Local colleges: Part-time and evening study

Nearly every area of England has a further education (FE) college offering part-time and evening courses for adults. These range from GCSE and functional skills in English and Maths to vocational qualifications, A Levels, and degree-level courses. Many colleges run courses at multiple local venues, including community centres and libraries, making learning accessible even if you work full-time or have caring responsibilities.

How to find local colleges

1. Search the National Careers Service course finder at nationalcareers.service.gov.uk and set your location and distance—you can filter for part-time, evening, and online courses.
2. Search your council website: most councils list local FE providers and their courses.
3. Visit individual college websites directly by searching for your nearest college by name and location.
4. Ask your local Jobcentre Plus or National Careers Service adviser, who can recommend providers and courses that match your goals.

Courses on offer range from practical skills like hair and beauty, catering, and engineering to digital skills, business studies, and health and social care. Many colleges also run free or discounted courses for unemployed people, those receiving benefits, or those in priority sectors.

Additional support while you study

If you are claiming Universal Credit, you can apply for free training and continue to claim benefits while you study. Many claimants can undertake full-time training for up to 16 weeks while still receiving benefit payments. Speak to your local Jobcentre Plus adviser to confirm the rules and how your training might affect your claim.

Eligible students may also access financial help for childcare, transport, and other course-related costs. The National Careers Service and your college can advise on what help is available in your area. If you are not eligible for fully free training, Advanced Learner Loans may be available to help cover the cost—you repay these loans only when you are earning above a set threshold.

Next steps: Your action plan

1. Call the National Careers Service on 0800 100 900 to book a free appointment and discuss your goals with an adviser.
2. Use the National Careers Service course finder to search for courses near you—whether Skills Bootcamps, free Level 3 courses, or local college programs.
3. Check your eligibility for each type of course, especially if you are currently unemployed or claiming benefits.
4. Contact the training provider or college directly to apply and confirm funding arrangements.
5. Ask about support available during your course, such as help with childcare, travel costs, or disability adjustments.

Retraining and upskilling takes commitment and time, but the UK government funds multiple pathways to help you succeed. Whether you seek a short, intensive bootcamp to fill an immediate skill gap or a longer qualification to transform your career, free support is available. Start by speaking to a careers adviser—they will help you choose the right route for your situation and connect you to the training that works for you.