Adult Training Courses & Apprenticeships

You can study these courses on a part-time or full-time basis. Full-time generally means a time commitment of the-days-a-week and part-time generally means one-day a week (this can vary depending on the course).

Often you will be in a class with our younger learners, although some courses naturally attract more mature learners.

Our experience is that a blend of ages creates a richer learning experience in terms of the variety of perspectives and experience.

You can attend maths and English lessons, get specialist help at our Maths and English Hub and sit GCSEs in these subjects too.

There are a wide range of options from Skills for Independence courses, employability trade courses and Supported Internships.

When you're an apprentice:

• you get paid and train at the same time, with at least 20% of your time spent in off the job training, often at a college, university or with a training provider
• you train to be fully competent in your chosen occupation
• you’re on a career path - with lots of future potential for you
• Your apprenticeship can take between one and six years to complete, depending on which apprenticeship you choose, what level it’s at, and your previous experience.
• Different apprenticeships are available all over England, at companies large and small, in a wide range of industries and organisations. From local organisations to large national brands.
• You get valuable hands-on experience working whilst you learn, which helps you progress in your working life.
• Completing your apprenticeship means you've earned and learned. Given your training is funded by contributions from the government and your employer, and you receive a regular salary, apprenticeships are a great option for getting on the job ladder or supercharging your career.

Some of the top reasons for becoming an apprentice:

• earn while you learn and get paid a competitive salary
• your training is free
• choose from hundreds of different apprentice jobs in thousands of organisations
• get high quality training paid for by your employer and the government
• a great way to get back into the workplace after a career break, or to re-train in a new areas
• get a boost to your future earnings potential
• develop the skills you need for a range of exciting jobs or careers, no matter your age or background

How much can I earn?

Your salary will depend upon the industry, location and type of apprenticeship you choose.

The minimum wage for an apprentice is £3.90 per hour if you’re aged 16 to 18 - but many employers pay far more than this.

What will it cost me?

When you become an apprentice, you’ll need to cover the cost of your day-to-day expenses, such as lunch and travel.

If you’re a care leaver aged 16-24, you’ll receive a £1,000 bursary payment to support you in the first year of your apprenticeship.

An apprenticeship combines studying with on-the-job training; it provides the opportunity to develop practical skills, earn a wage and work towards nationally recognised qualifications.

As an apprentice you will work for a local firm and then either attend college to complete some technical training, or an assessor will visit you in the workplace to carry out the training with you there.

An apprenticeship is a job and companies advertise apprenticeship vacancies in the same way they do with job vacancies.

You need to find one you're interested, apply, have an interview and then if you're successful, you can get started.

We advertise the apprenticeship vacancies of the companies we work with.

We have an extensive range of courses that are affordable and allow you to improve your skills while working full time.

Some run in the evening, but there are daytime options on some courses too.

View our course PDF here

We have an extensive range of courses that are affordable and allow you to improve your skills while working full time.

Some run in the evening, but there are daytime options on some courses too.

View our course PDF here

Our courses cover:

• Education and training
• Business management and accounting
• Construction
• Engineering
• Electrical
• Health and safety
• Driving and logistics
• Health and care
• IT
• Hair and Beauty
• Herbal medicine

We work closely with higher education institutions, including our own degree provision, to ensure students are equipped with the skills they need for further study.

There is no upper age limit so if you have been out of education for a while, or wish to change career direction and need a degree, then this is suitable for you.

The Advanced Learner Loan is not means-tested and does not require a credit check. 

It will help you cover the cost of tuition fees, and you won’t start paying it back until you have finished your qualification and are earning over a certain amount per year. 

Eligible courses include A-Levels, Access to HE Diplomas and other vocational qualifications.

If you are undertaking an Access to Higher education course and then go on to complete an HE qualification, the outstanding balance of your Advanced Learner Loan will be written off.

To be eligible for a loan you must be:

• Aged 19 or over on the first day of your course (there is no upper age limit)
• Starting your course on or after 1st August 2021
• Enrolling on a full Level 3 to Level 6 Further Education course
• Studying with a college or training organisation in England approved for public funding.
• Able to meet the Advanced Learner Loan nationality and residency status rules. Find out more about the criteria here 

Other eligibility rules may apply.

Before applying for an Advanced Learner Loan you will require a Learning and Funding Information Letter from the college. 

If you have already applied to us and been made an offer you can expect to receive your letter from July onwards. Details of how to apply are explained in the letter. 

It's important you consider your own circumstances and look into all options for paying for your course before choosing to take out a loan. 

You can get impartial money advice from the Money Advice Service.

For more information about the Advanced Learner Loan click here or telephone a member of the Financial Support Team on (01522) 876000.

The loans do not cover Degrees or other forms of designated Higher Education (HE). For more information on funding for HE see our HE Fees and Funding section.

Please note: You will be responsible for paying fees if a loan application is not approved.

So you can gain recognised qualifications from the comfort of your own home.

This is a great way to enhance your skills for work, get back into employment, or up-skill for a promotion.

You can complete these qualifications at your own pace and you have access to a tutor for advice and guidance via email.