07/04/2021 11:15:00
Workforces can access hundreds of fully-funded courses to gain a level three qualification as part of the the National Skills Fund.
As an employer, you can encourage your existing workforce to take advantage of these free courses and upskill in different areas. The courses aim to help people gain the valuable skills they need to improve their job prospects, support economic recovery and boost the supply of skills that employers require.
From April 2021, the courses are available to any adult aged 24 and over who wants to achieve their first full level three qualification, which is equivalent to an advanced technical certificate or diploma, or two full A levels. Those aged 19 to 23 will continue to be eligible for their first full level three via the adult education budget, and also able to access any additional qualifications made available through this offer.
Qualifications that will be relevant to NHS organisations will initially include:
- health and social care
- business management
- accounting and finance
- public services
- medicine and dentistry.
The level three adult offer is part of the Lifetime Skills Guarantee announced by the Prime Minister in September 2020. This offer is a long-term commitment to remove the age constraints and financial barriers for adults looking for their first level three qualification so that they can access training to enable them to progress.
Further details of the free courses and qualifications available including details on how individuals can apply.
There are currently a range of government programmes, some of which offer financial incentives, available for employers who are considering hiring employees, offering work experience or upskilling existing staff.
Visit the full list of the Plan for Jobs employment programmes.