Options at 18+
Working and learning means having paid work but also, as part of that work, you will be working towards a recognised qualification.
Getting a job straight after full time education - when you are 18:
If when you leave full time education are keen to get straight into work, it’s important to pick a job that you can combine with training leading to a nationally recognised qualification.
Increasingly, employers are looking for people with higher level skills and qualifications, so, if you can find a job which you can combine with training this could give you better long-term prospects. Many employers are supportive of training, so talk to your employer about the training opportunities that might be available and where they might lead.
If you find your perfect job and your employer doesn't offer training, there are lots of ways in which you can continue to develop your skills and gain qualifications. For example, you could study part time during evenings or weekends, or through online learning.
To see what qualifications you could do, have a look at Find a Provider to find a local college or learning provider that might be able to help.
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.
If you are aged between 18 and 23 and want to do a Level 2 or 3 course:
If you are aged between 18 and 23 at the start of your course and do not currently hold a full Level 2 or a Level 3 qualification you may be eligible for free or reduced fees when you enrol on your first full Level 2 or Level 3 course.
A full Level 2 qualification is equivalent to five or more GCSEs at Grades 4-9 e.g. Level 2 BTEC, Intermediate Apprenticeship, etc.
A full Level 3 qualification includes Access to Higher Education Diploma, Level 3 BTEC National, Certificate or Diploma, T Level, two or more A Levels, or equivalent.
For some courses there might be additional fees to cover extra costs associated with the course such as materials, trips, uniforms, etc. These will be discussed with you at interview when you apply.
Check whether you can get free tuition
If you’re not sure whether you are eligible for free tuition for the Level 2 or 3 course you wish to do then check with the college or learning provider.
Even if you can’t get free tuition, many colleges offer discounts in certain circumstances - ask them when you apply.
Ways to degree level study alongside work:
A course which is Level 4 + is considered a degree level course but you need to achieve a Level 6 course to get a full degree, although there are Foundation Degrees at Level 5, HNCs at Level 4, etc. As an example, students who go to university do Level 4 in their first year, Level 5 in second year and a Level 6 in third year to get a degree (sometimes it takes longer to get to Level 6), but there are lots of different ways to get a Level 6 qualification. See a qualification table to learn more.
To do a Level 4+ degree level course you usually need to take out a loan from the government to pay for tuition and costs of living fees. You then pay this back a little each month, through your future salary.
However, there are ways to work and learn to degree level which can mean that you achieve a degree without the costs of loans to study. Be aware that these routes will be training you in a particular job or sector so be sure it is the area of work you want to do in the future. Also, some of these routes can be competitive so be ready to put yourself forward and to explain what you have to offer.
Opportunities to work and be funded to do a degree level course (Level 4 - 6):
You could explore:
- Doing a Higher Apprenticeship or Degree Apprenticeship. This involves working while also studying for a apprenticeship which will include achieving a degree level qualification - but you do need to find a vacancy, to do one. You get paid as you complete your apprenticeship and your employer will fund your degree level course. Be aware that this route can take more than the usual 3 or 4 years to get your degree but all the time you will be learning real skills in the workplace, be getting a wage and at the end - have no student debt!
- Employer Sponsored Degree opportunities. These offers sponsorship to fund your degree in return for your commitment to working for the employer during your course and upon graduation.
Opportunities to study online to degree level alongside a job:
You could have a job and also be studying through online learning:
- The Open University offers degrees through distance learning meaning you will be able to learn in your own time, at home or wherever you choose and at a pace to fit you and your commitments. An Open University degree combines flexibility, high quality and value for money. Most OU students study part-time which allows them to study alongside work, earn a regular income and build towards a highly respected degree.
- FutureLearn offers a diverse selection of high-quality online courses from some of the world’s leading universities and other outstanding cultural institutions. They aim to connect learners from all over the globe with high-quality educators, and with each other. Courses are delivered one step at a time and are accessible on mobile, tablet and desktop. These can be a great way to find out if an area of study is for you but also as a great entry point before you apply for a degree course.
Opportunities to study part-time alongside a job:
You could study part time while you are working. Sometimes your employer will fund you to do these courses as they will help develop your skills and knowledge to support their work.
- Many colleges, universities and some training providers offer both full and part-time higher education level courses – so you should be able to find a study option to suit your circumstances and commitments. You can explore courses through the National Careers Service but be aware that the local college/provider often has the most up-to-date information.
- Foundation Degrees are available related to specific job sectors. They have been designed with the help of employers from that sector. After completing a Foundation Degree you can then ‘top up’ to gain a full Honours Degree. They are sometimes part of a Higher or Degree apprenticeship.
- Higher National certificates and Diplomas (HNC/D) have been designed to give you the skills to put your knowledge to effective use in a particular job sector. They are highly valued by employers and can also count towards membership of professional bodies. Sometimes if you are employer at a company they will fund you in completing one of these qualifications.
- If you are already employed and want to progress in your career or are studying at college and have a part-time job or access to a work placement, an NVQ might be most suitable to help you develop skills and knowledge for a specific job sector.