As part of the Lifetime Skills Guarantee, a targeted Level 3 adult offer (which will support the development of new skills for adult learners and improve prospects for eligible adults in the workplace) has been developed to support adults aged 24+ without an existing full Level 3 qualification.

Adults that already have a Level 3 qualification may be eligible for an additional free Level 3 qualification if they meet the unemployed or low wage criteria.

Eligibility for funding:

The courses listed below are part of the Free Courses for Jobs scheme, offering fully funded learning opportunities for those who meet the following criteria:

  1. Age: Must be 19 or older by August 31, 2025.
  2. Residency: Must reside within either the North East Combined Authority or Tees Valley Combined Authority areas.
  3. Income: Must be unemployed or earning below the specified income threshold.
  • North East Combined Authority: £25,000
  • Tees Valley Combined Authority: £32,210
  • North East Combined Authority: Includes County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside, and Sunderland.
  • Tees Valley Combined Authority: Includes Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland, and Stockton-on-Tees.

Once funded under this scheme, a learner has exhausted their eligibility for further Free Courses for Jobs funding.

Please bring proof of income or unemployment to your enrollment for the funded course. Recommended documents include a recent wage slip, a Universal Credit statement, or another form of income verification dated within three months of the course start date.

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Learn more about our free courses for jobs