Employer supported training
If you’re looking to gain new skills relevant to your job - and you’ve already got a job - talking to your employer is often a good first step. You may be able to get free training to improve your basic skills or your performance at work, or even get support to do a qualification that could help open doors to promotion or higher education.
Apprenticeships
If you are interested in an apprenticeship there will be a minimal cost to your employer, so you could ask them if they would consider supporting you through an apprenticeship.
An apprenticeship offers excellent training and they are available in a wide range of job sectors. As an apprentice, you earn money while you learn and study for nationally recognised qualifications.
Getting ‘time off to study or train’
If you are aged 16 or 17
At 16/17 you have a range of options. You might want to try and find a Traineeship, an apprenticeship - such as an Intermediate Apprenticeship, a job with training or a part-time job.
The law has now changed and everyone needs to be in some form of recognised education and training up to the age of 18.
You won't have to stay at school – you will be able to choose one of the following options:
- full-time education such as school or college
- an Apprenticeship
- part-time education or training if you are working or volunteering for 20 hours or more a week
If you are aged 18 and over:
The Right to Time Off for Study or Training is open to you if you are employed and have worked for your employer continuously for 26 weeks.
The training must help you do your job better and at least 250 people must work for the company that employs you. Time off is usually unpaid unless your employer agrees to pay it.