Free Training Courses UK 2025 - Funded Skills for Life

Training and Qualification Courses

Free Digital & Tech Courses UK 2025

If you’re searching for free training courses UK 2025, you’re in the right place. Whether you want to upskill, switch careers, or boost your confidence in the workplace, this page lists some of the best funded and low-cost learning opportunities available across the UK. Courses cover everything from digital marketing and health care to construction trades and business admin – with online and in-person options to suit every lifestyle.

Digital & Tech

Skills Bootcamp in Inclusive Digital Marketing (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)

A 60-hour flexible course covering 12 modules of digital marketing fundamentals (SEO, social media, email, etc.).
Duration & Delivery: ~60 hours part-time, blended learning
Cost: Free (government-funded for independent learners)
Eligibility: Age 19+; regional residency may apply

Digital Skills: Succeeding in a Digital World (OpenLearn)

Skills Bootcamp in Inclusive Digital Marketing (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
A 60-hour flexible course covering 12 modules of digital marketing fundamentals (SEO, social media, email, etc.).
Duration & Delivery: ~60 hours part-time, blended learning
Cost: Free (government-funded for independent learners)
Eligibility: Age 19+; regional residency may apply

Digital Skills for Work and Life (Accenture/FutureLearn)

A short online course exploring how digital technology is changing work and everyday life.
Duration & Delivery: 2 weeks (2 hours/week), 100% online
Cost: Free to join (certificate upgrade optional)
Eligibility: Open enrollment

Google Fundamentals of Digital Marketing

A comprehensive online course with 26 modules including SEO, analytics, and content creation.
Duration & Delivery: ~40 hours, self-paced
Cost: Free (certificate included)
Eligibility: Open to all

Level 2 Certificate in IT User Skills (The Skills Network)

Covers practical IT skills in Microsoft Office and basic cybersecurity.
Duration & Delivery: ~10 weeks, fully online
Cost: Free (funded for eligible learners) or £234 self-funded
Eligibility: Age 19+, UK resident, some basic IT knowledge

Construction & Trades

Carpentry Skills Bootcamp (North East England)

Hands-on training in carpentry tasks like stud wall framing and door hanging.
Duration & Delivery: 2 weeks, in-person
Cost: Free (government-funded)
Eligibility: Age 19+, local residency

Site Carpentry Level 3 Diploma (Barnsley College)

Covers first- and second-fix carpentry techniques to industry standards.
Duration & Delivery: 1 year part-time, evenings, in-person
Cost: Free for eligible learners under Free Courses for Jobs
Eligibility: Age 19+, Level 2 Carpentry, GCSEs preferred

Painting and Decorating Skills Bootcamp

Bootcamp focusing on basic painting, wallpapering, and decorating techniques.
Duration & Delivery: 2 weeks, full-time
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Age 19+, regional residency

City & Guilds 2365 Electrical Installation Diploma (Trade Skills 4U)

Combined Level 2 & 3 training for aspiring electricians.
Duration & Delivery: 14 weeks full-time, blended
Cost: £6,249 + VAT
Eligibility: Open to beginners; basic maths useful

Health & Social Care

Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Nutrition and Health (The Skills Network)

Covers healthy eating, food safety, weight management, and more.
Duration & Delivery: 8–12 weeks, online
Cost: Free for eligible learners; £299 self-funded
Eligibility: Age 19+, England or Scotland residency

Step into Social Care (FutureLearn/City & Guilds)

Introductory course for those considering work in social care.
Duration & Delivery: 2 weeks, online
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Open to all

Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (Embark Learning)

Comprehensive qualification for care roles, including safeguarding and leadership.
Duration & Delivery: 6–12 months, blended learning
Cost: Free for eligible learners
Eligibility: Age 19+, working/volunteering in care

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA England)

Teaches how to help someone experiencing mental health issues.
Duration & Delivery: 2 days in-person or flexible online
Cost: Approx. £300 (varies)
Eligibility: Age 16+

Business & Management

Principles of Business Administration Level 2 (The Skills Network)

Covers office admin tasks like data handling, communication, and events.
Duration & Delivery: 8–12 weeks, online
Cost: Free for eligible learners or £299 self-funded
Eligibility: Age 19+

Business Management Skills Bootcamp (Optimum Skills)

Covers foundational management and leadership skills.
Duration & Delivery: 2 weeks, blended
Cost: Free (DfE funded)
Eligibility: Age 19+, regional requirements may apply

PRINCE2® Foundation (ILX Group)

Project management certification based on PRINCE2 methodology.
Duration & Delivery: 3 days (instructor-led) or 12 hrs online
Cost: £550+ Eligibility: Open to all

CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management & Leadership

Mid-level management qualification leading to Chartered Manager status.
Duration & Delivery: 6–12 months, blended or online
Cost: £2,000–£2,500
Eligibility: Supervisory experience or Level 3 qualification recommended

Other National Initiatives

Skill Up (Northern Ireland)

Offers free courses in computing, health, engineering and more via NI colleges/universities.
Cost: Free
Eligibility: 18+, eligible to work in NI

Individual Training Accounts (Scotland)

Up to £200 toward the cost of training for Scots in low-income work or unemployed.
Eligibility: Age 16+, resident in Scotland, income under £20,000

Personal Learning Accounts (Wales)

Fully-funded part-time training in priority sectors like ICT, hospitality, and construction.
Eligibility: Age 19+, in employment, resident in Wales