← Get into work BUILD A SKILL. TRY SOMETHING NEW.

Learning for your
next opportunity.

A curated starting point for free learning and funded training.
Choose something relevant to the work you want to do.

Want a simple introduction first? Try our AI skills guide or guide to hazardous substances at work (COSHH).

Free learning and free qualifications are different. Some providers need an account. Funded places have eligibility rules, and optional exams may cost extra. Check each provider’s current terms before enrolling.

Provider review dates are shown on each listing · UK focus; funding routes shown are mainly for England.

Specific courses to start with

Choose a course below, or browse provider directories afterwards. These courses are hosted by external providers.

OpenLearn, The Open University

Effective communication in the workplace

Explore spoken and written communication, including conversations in challenging situations.

Level
Introductory
Length
About 24 hours, suggested as eight weeks of three hours. Self-paced.
Cost and access
Free to study. Reading is available without signing up; enrol with a free account for quizzes, progress and awards.
What you receive
Free statement of participation and digital badge after meeting completion requirements. These are not an OU qualification.

Course details checked 18 October 2026.

View this course
OpenLearn, The Open University

Digital skills: succeeding in a digital world

Build confidence choosing online tools, managing your digital identity and using technology for work and study.

Level
Introductory
Length
About 24 hours, suggested as eight weeks of three hours. Self-paced.
Cost and access
Free to study. Reading is available without signing up; enrol with a free account for quizzes, progress and awards.
What you receive
Free statement of participation and digital badge after meeting completion requirements. These are not an OU qualification.

Course details checked 18 October 2026.

View this course
Microsoft Learn

Prepare to use generative AI at work

Understand AI-generated content, recognise risks and practise thinking critically about outputs.

Level
Beginner; assumes basic AI terminology and familiarity with Microsoft 365.
Length
Six self-paced units. A reliable total time was not displayed when checked.
Cost and access
Free learning content. Some Microsoft product features may require a separate licence; check before trying them.
What you receive
A module assessment is included. This module is not a professional certification; sign-in may be needed to record progress.

Course details checked 18 October 2026.

View this course

Browse more providers and funding

Explore these directories if you would like a wider choice.

Open University Free learning
Work & study

OpenLearn: free short courses

Browse subjects including communication, business and digital skills.

Cost & access
Free to study. A free account is needed to enrol and obtain a statement of participation.
What to check
A statement of participation records learning; it is not an Open University qualification.

Source details reviewed 18 October 2026.

Visit the provider
IBM Free learning
Digital & AI

IBM SkillsBuild: AI & career skills

Explore AI, technology and workplace learning for adult learners.

Cost & access
Free programme; registration and access requirements depend on the learning route.
What to check
Check the current course page for any available digital credential and its requirements.

Source details reviewed 18 October 2026.

Visit the provider
Microsoft Free learning
Digital & AI

Microsoft Learn: technical learning

Explore self-paced modules on AI, data, cloud and other technical topics.

Cost & access
Self-paced training is free. Optional certification exams and some services may cost extra.
What to check
Learning achievements and professional certifications are different.

Source details reviewed 18 October 2026.

Visit the provider
Good Things Foundation Free learning
Digital & AI

Learn My Way: digital essentials

A beginner-friendly starting point for everyday online skills.

Cost & access
Free online learning; check the site for registration and progress features.
What to check
Practise using the skills in everyday tasks and describe them honestly on your CV.

Source details reviewed 17 October 2026. Link rechecked 18 October; current access terms still need a manual browser check.

Visit the provider
Health and Safety Executive Free guidance
Workplace safety

COSHH basics: free HSE guidance

Read introductory guidance about hazardous substances and exposure controls.

Cost & access
Free reading; no certificate is awarded by this resource.
What to check
This is awareness reading, not an accredited COSHH course or workplace task training.

Source details reviewed 18 October 2026.

Visit the provider
Skills for Careers Eligibility applies
Funded training

Skills Bootcamps

Explore short, sector-focused training routes available in England.

Cost & access
For people aged 19 or over. Free learner places depend on eligibility and the provider; employer-funded participation has different arrangements.
What to check
Check local availability, entry conditions and the exact interview offer. An interview is not a job offer.

Source details reviewed 18 October 2026.

Visit the provider
GOV.UK Eligibility applies
Funded training

Free Courses for Jobs

Find funded qualification routes across a range of job-related subjects.

Cost & access
England-focused funding with age, residency and other eligibility conditions. Check the current rules and provider before applying.
What to check
Check the qualification, funding decision, attendance requirements and any additional costs.

Source details reviewed 18 October 2026.

Visit the provider
GOV.UK Eligibility applies
Work & study

English, maths & IT learning routes

Find routes to improve essential skills and ask about local provision.

Cost & access
Some learning is free depending on your circumstances and existing qualifications. Funding differs across the UK.
What to check
Ask the provider about entry assessment, qualification level and any fees.

Source details reviewed 18 October 2026.

Visit the provider

Make the learning count.

Look at a real job advert first. Choose one skill gap, complete a relevant activity, then create a small example of what you can do. A useful work sample and a clear explanation can help you discuss your learning.

For one-to-one career support in England, explore the free support offered by the National Careers Service . Check your nation’s careers service for local funding and advice.