The government has launched hundreds of new qualifications ensuring adults without A Levels, an advanced technical diploma or equivalent have the opportunity to train and upskill. Almost 400 qualifications are available to take, backed by £95 million in government funding in 2021/22 - as part of the government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee.
The qualifications on offer range from engineering to social care to conservation and are available to any adult who has not already achieved a qualification at Level 3 (equivalent to A-levels). The roll out marks a major milestone in the delivery of the landmark Lifetime Skills Guarantee. 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.
Adults who take up the free courses have the potential to boost career prospects, wages and help fill skills gaps, while supporting the economy.
MP for North East Bedfordshire, Richard Fuller, said:
By launching hundreds of new free courses through the Lifetime Skills Guarantee, we are giving an estimated 11 million adults the chance to gain the skills they need to secure rewarding careers in key sectors of the economy including construction, healthcare and digital.
This government is clear that at every stage of your life, it will help you get the skills you need to train, retrain, and get into jobs you want, and our economy needs.
As well as the free courses as part of the Lifetime Skills Guarantee, thousands of adults have taken advantage of new Skills Bootcamps which offer free, flexible courses lasting up to 16 weeks covering areas including construction, digital and technical. Skills Bootcamps – which are currently running in six areas of the country - provide a chance to learn specific skills and offer a fast-track to an interview with a local employer at the end. Skills Bootcamps will be expanded across the country later this year.
