Adult
Learning
Build your skills, boost your confidence and discover new opportunities through adult learning.
Adult learning is education and training for adults aged 19 and over. It can include anything from short courses and essential skills training to professional qualifications and career-focused programmes. Many opportunities are fully funded or supported through grants and loans, making it easier to access learning at any stage of life.
Adult Learning can help you:
Gain Qualifications
Achieve recognised qualifications to support your career goals and progression.
Improve Employment Prospects
Develop the skills employers are looking for and increase your job opportunities.
Preparation for Employment
Explore new industries, retrain in a different sector or advance your professional journey.
Build Essential Skills
Improve your English, maths, digital and employability skills for everyday life and work
Boost Confidence and Wellbeing
Develop confidence, meet new people and gain the motivation to achieve your goals.
Return to Learning
Access flexible learning opportunities which fit around work, family and other commitments.
Types of Adult Learning Available
Essential Skills courses help adults improve their English, maths and digital skills. These programmes are designed to build confidence in everyday tasks, support progression into employment, and provide a foundation for further learning and qualifications.
Vocational qualifications focus on practical, career-related skills and knowledge. Available across a range of sectors, these courses can help you gain recognised qualifications, develop industry-specific expertise and improve your employment prospects.
Professional development courses are designed for individuals already in work who want to enhance their skills, take on new responsibilities or progress within their current role. These may include leadership, management, customer service, project management and sector-specific training.
Skills Bootcamps are flexible, employer-led training programmes designed to help adults develop in-demand skills in key industries. Typically delivered over a number of weeks, they provide practical training and can support career progression, job opportunities or a move into a new sector. Click here to read more about Skills Bootcamps
Employability programmes help individuals develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to find and sustain employment. Training may include CV writing, job searching, interview preparation, workplace skills and understanding the local labour market.
Community learning focuses on personal development, wellbeing and building confidence through learning. These courses often provide a supportive environment for adults who may be returning to education, looking to meet new people or wanting to develop new interests and skills. Discover current opportunities on the Step Up Somerset website
Higher-level qualifications, including Level 3 and above, can support career progression, professional development and career change. These courses may include technical qualifications, diplomas, certificates and other recognised programmes that provide advanced knowledge and skills.
Funding and Support Available
Financial support is available to help make learning more accessible.
Explore the funding options below to find out what support may be available to you.
Free Courses for Jobs
If you are aged 19 or over and do not already hold a Level 3 qualification (equivalent to A-levels), you may be able to study selected Level 3 courses free of charge. Some courses may also be free for people who are unemployed or earning below the low-wage threshold.
Adult Skills Fund (ASF)
The Adult Skills Fund supports adults aged 19+ to access training in areas such as English, maths, digital skills, employability and vocational qualifications. Many learners can access fully funded training, particularly those working towards their first Level 2 or Level 3 qualification.
Advanced Learner Loans
If you are aged 19 or over and would like to study at Levels 3 to 6, an Advanced Learner Loan can help cover the cost of tuition fees. Repayments only begin once you have completed your course and your income is above the repayment threshold.
Skills Bootcamps
Skills Bootcamps offer flexible, short, employer-focused training designed to help adults develop sector-specific skills and progress into employment or career advancement opportunities. Learner-led programmes are free for the learner.
Grants and Funding for Individuals
The Somerset Community Foundation provides grants that may help eligible individuals access learning, training and development opportunities that support their personal and professional goals.
Contact our advisers
Still not sure what the right next step looks like for you?
That’s exactly what we’re here for. Our friendly advisers can help you explore your options and find a path that works for you.