Start your career

Starting your career can be exciting and also daunting, with so many choices ahead. We’ve included a range of courses, information and qualifications to help you get your career off to a flying start.


Adult learning

BTEC

BTECs are high-quality, career-focused qualifications grounded in the real world of work. BTEC courses provide adults wishing to pursue or make progress in their career with up-to-date industry knowledge, skills and behaviours that are highly valued by employers.

BTEC Explorer Courses

Explorer Courses have been designed for individuals exploring careers in a specific industry sector, or those who are not sure what career they wish to go into and are still exploring their interests and strengths.

BTEC Higher Nationals

If you're looking to progress to higher education along a more vocational route, BTEC HNCs and HNDs could be right for you. Choosing BTEC Higher Nationals can also allow you to take a degree top-up year to achieve a full degree.

Be inspired

Inspiring learner stories - where are they now?

Learners of all levels are realising their career ambitions with our work-based qualifications and programmes. Be inspired by these stories from learners who are developing the skills they need to be successful at work.

Work, earn and study at the same time

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to work for a real employer, earn a real salary and gain a real qualification while gaining valuable workplace skills and experience. Find out more about how apprenticeships work and the careers they could lead to.

Degree Apprenticeships

Discover a new route into higher education. A degree apprenticeship could give you a head start, allowing you to combine university study with practical skills gained in the workplace and the security of a regular salary.

Find a course

College finder

Once you've viewed the range of options we have available, your next step is to find out what courses are offered at your nearest college.

Make yourself more employable

UK Learns

UK Learns provides access to some of the world's best quality, certified courses that employers value.  At a time you may need it most, many are free of charge, some for a limited period.  You'll find unparalleled depth and breadth - with new courses and functinality added every day.

Employability Skills

Employability skills are vital for everyone. Whether you're looking to secure your first job, get back into work or further your career, we offer a wide range of courses to help you develop the skills you need to get ahead.

Traineeships

Traineeships are work experience programmes designed to help 16- to 24-year-olds progress to an apprenticeship, paid employment or further study. They're made up of work preparation training, a work placement, and English and maths.

Functional Skills

Functional Skills are qualifications in English, maths and ICT that equip you with the basic practical skills required in everyday life, education and work.

ESOL Courses

If your first language isn't English, an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) course could help you gain the communication skills you need to progress in the workplace, education and beyond.

NEW: Improve your digital skills with EDSQ

Essential Digital Skills Qualifications (EDSQs) are a great way to acquire the key digital skills needed for life and work in today's digital world.  They are funded for 19+ learners and can be studied alongside other courses to help boost your employability skills.

Returning to learning or work?

Want to know about funding?

Explore the range of funding and support available including the Lifetime Skills Guarantee and the new Kickstart scheme.

Career choices

Explore information and advice to help you make informed choices about your future.

Skills Quiz

With so many options available, why not take our Skills Quiz and explore your strengths?

Help and advice

See what help and advice is out there to assist you in job-hunting, funding your studies or exploring your career options.

Learning resources

Explore our range of resources for BTEC, NVQ/SVQ and other vocational qualifications, including candidate handbooks, student books and revision guides.
 

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