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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 Thursday.

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

If you’re interested in joining this course but unable to start in March, we have a new set of course dates starting in October which will be released soon.

Daytime or evening courses available.

There are 3 course options available if you’d like to gain a qualification in CMI Level 3 Leadership & Management: 

Level 3 CMI Leadership & Management Award - 8 weeks - Study 1 unit - £250

Level 3 CMI Leadership & Management Certificate - 16 weeks - Study 2 units - £650

Level 3 CMI Leadership & Management Diploma - 1 year - Study all units - £1800

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.

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.

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

After successfully completing this course, you will have worthwhile and sought-after skills and knowledge that mean many different career paths are open to you.

This course enables you to become a qualified counsellor by enrolling on a Level 4 counselling qualification.

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

Dementia Care – Level 3

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.

  • Ask a Question
  • Level: 3
  • Study Mode: Part-time
  • Start Date: September 2024
  • Start Date: Wednesday, 14 February 2024

Early Years Workforce – Adult Course Level 3

This course will enable you to gain a foundational knowledge of childcare in the classroom. Working alongside others from a variety of early year settings learning about the value of play, child development, partnership with parents and building relationships with children. Opportunities to network with others and share good practice of your workplace and take part in college activities developing skills in ICT, English & Maths.

Electrical Installations Level 3

Whether you've already achieved your Level 2 Electrical Installation qualification and looking to continue your studies to achieve your Level 3 or you're currently working in the electrical trade and want to upskill into a full-fledged electrical installations role, this course is tailor-made for you. This Level 3 Electrical Installations course paves the way for your success as a contractor, service engineer, systems designer or electrical installer. 

This qualification will help you gain an understanding of the skills required within the electrotechnical sector. You will cover topics such as: 

  • Working safely and effectively 
  • Design, construct, test and commission electrical systems
  • Principles of electrical science
  • Regulations and law
  • Fault diagnosis and repair of electrical systems

 

  • Ask a Question
  • Level: 3
  • Study Mode: Part-time
  • Start Date:

    Cohort 1: 17 November – 8 December 2023
    Cohort 2: 9  February – 8 March 2024 (break for half-term w/c 19 February)

TAQA Level 3 Certificate In Assessing Vocational Achievement

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.