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  • Free Courses for Jobs

Free Courses for Jobs

Over 400 courses are available free of charge to eligible adults as part of the government’s Free Courses for Jobs offer. These courses are designed to help you improve your job opportunities. At Harlow College we offer a range of courses equivalent to an advanced technical certificate or diploma or A Levels under this initiative, available as either face to face, blended or online learning.

If you are interested you can also find out more about other learning opportunities and how the government is supporting you to gain Skills for life whatever stage of your career you are at.

Am I eligible?

As part of the Free Courses for Jobs offer, the tuition fees for some courses are paid by the UK Government. You may be eligible for this funding if you:

  • are 19 or over and do not already have a level 3 qualification, or
  • already have a level 3 qualification or higher but earn below the National Living Wage annually (£18,525 from April 2022), or
  • already have a level 3 qualification or higher but are unemployed

If you are not eligible for funding under the Free Courses for Jobs offer an Advanced Learner Loan may be available to help you cover the costs of learning, which you pay back when you are earning over a certain amount.

How do I know if I already have a Level 3 Qualification?

A Level 3 qualification is equivalent to either an advanced technical certificate, diploma or 2 full A levels. If you’re not sure, please speak with our friendly Admissions Team.

How much do the courses cost?

The courses are completely free and paid for by the new National Skills Fund if you meet the eligibility criteria.

AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting (Online and On Campus)

This AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) advanced level course is a mid-level accounting qualification, ideal for anyone who is looking to advance their existing knowledge of accounting. 

This flexible course is delivered in partnership with Mindful Education, and combines online learning with face-to-face lessons in the classroom. 

This Level 3 course is part of the National Skills Fund initiative and is fully funded for eligible learners. Alternatively, you can apply for an advanced learner loan to cover the cost of studying this course. Please ask a member of college staff for more information.

Please note: classroom attendance is weekly, every Wednesday.

CMI Level 3 Diploma in Principles of Management and Leadership (Online and On Campus)

 The Diploma in Management and Leadership is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management. Staff study at college part-time and complete work-based projects as part of the course. This qualification is suitable for those who are, or wish to become, team leaders and/or supervisors. This includes individuals who are at the start of their career that wish to become team leaders/ supervisors as well as those aspiring or existing managers who may already have developed practical experience but who wish to develop their theoretical understanding of management skills further.

The course is delivered in partnership with Mindful Education, and combines online learning with face-to-face lessons in the classroom.

Coaching and Mentoring Level 3 Certificate

If you're employed in a teaching, coaching, or mentoring role, this course is tailor-made for you. Our comprehensive programme is designed to equip learners with the essential coaching skills and knowledge needed to excel in guiding and mentoring others. Whether you're in education, sports coaching, or any field where mentorship is crucial, this qualification will empower you to make a lasting impact on your mentees. Join us on this course and become the mentor and coach you've always aspired to be.

Counselling – Level 3

The Level 3 Counselling course is designed for adults who have successfully completed Level 2 Counselling and are eager to further their education and training in this field. This course is ideal for individuals looking to deepen their understanding of counselling practices and theories, and for those aspiring to take the next steps towards being a qualified counsellor.

  • Study Mode: Online Learning
  • Start Date: Throughout the year

Dementia Care – Level 3

Free limited spaces available on this course as part of the Government's Levelling Up initiative. Click here to check if you’re eligible.

Dementia is a global concern but it is most often seen in wealthier countries, where people are likely to live into very old age. The Alzheimer’s Society reports there are over 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK today. This course will help you to develop a detailed knowledge and understanding of caring for individuals with dementia including the types, effects and importance of early diagnosis, the role of communication, interaction and inclusion in dementia care and support and the use of medication to support individuals with dementia.

TAQA Level 3 Certificate In Assessing Vocational Achievement

Cohort 1 – 15 November – 20 December
28 February 2025 – 28 March 2025

For teachers, trainers or assessors who assess the demonstration of competence in both the workplace and classroom environments, using a variety of assessment methods. This certificate consists of 3 Units (1 x knowledge-based unit and 2 x performance-based unit).

  • Study Mode: Online Learning
  • Start Date: Throughout the year

Understanding Autism – Level 3

This qualification is designed for those who want to increase their knowledge and understanding of autism and completion will support progression into employment within the health and social care sector. You will gain knowledge and understanding of autism, including: how to adopt a positive approach to supporting individuals with autism, the current legislative framework relating to individuals with autism and how different theories have developed over time how to support and manage transitions for individuals with autism.

Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator)

The Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) prepares learners to become Early Years Educators, enabling them to work with children from birth to 5 years and gain knowledge of children aged 5 to 7 years. Upon achievement of this qualification it is intended that learners will be able to enter the workforce as Early Years Educators. Learners can progress into various job roles in the statutory, voluntary or private sectors such as:

• Assistant in Children's Centres
• Practitioner in nursery schools
• Practitioner in reception classes in primary schools
• Pre-school worker

We have structured the units around three themes:• Theme 1: Health and well-being
• Theme 2: Legislation, frameworks and professional practice
• Theme 3: Play, development and learning for school readiness

This course provides learners with the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded professionals from a variety of early years settings, exchange experiences, and share best practices.

To successfully complete this qualification, you must be employed, volunteering, or undertaking a practical placement in a real work environment (RWE) for a minimum of 16 hours per week, allowing you to demonstrate both knowledge and skill competency.

Expression of Interest – Free Courses for Jobs

Thank you for your interest in our courses. Please fill in and submit your details using the form below and our team will contact you with more information:

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