Free online distance learning courses for adults

Unlock your potential in lockdown with a free Level 2 qualification

We're bringing learning even closer to you with an expanded range of online courses that you can study from the comfort of your own home, in your own time, day or night.

Whether you have been furloughed, made redundant or you're looking to upskill or retrain, these courses are just for you!

No matter what your current employment or benefits status is, all these courses are FREE if you enrol before Friday 30 April 2021.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to call our community education team on 01623 413602.

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FAQs

• How do I sign up for a course?

  All you need to do is sign up using our simple online form. We’ll then send you an electronic enrolment form to complete and return back to us. Once we have received your electronic enrolment form you’ll then be sent an email with instructions on how to access the online courses.

• Can I enrol on to more than one course?

  You can enrol on to more than one course, but you’ll only be able to access the materials for one course at a time. Once you’ve completed a course, send us an email and we’ll add the next course onto your profile.

• Am I eligible?

  The distance learning courses are completely free for anyone aged 19 and over if you sign up before Friday 30 April 2021, irrespective of your current employment status. If you are unemployed and in receipt of qualifying means-tested benefits, or are employed but earn less than £17,004 per year, then the courses will be completely free indefinitely.

  Also, you must live in England to enrol on one of our distance learning courses, and unfortunately we can’t accept enrolments from people who live in the following devolved areas:

  The Greater Manchester Combined Authority

  The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority

  The West of England Combined Authority

  The West Midlands Combined Authority

  The Tees Valley Combined Authority

  The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority

  The Newcastle Upon Tyne, North Tyneside and Northumberland Combined Authority

  If you’re unsure whether you qualify for a course, please apply and we will confirm after checking your postcode.

• How can I get more information

  If you’d like more information, please send us an email stating which course/s you’d like more information about.

• What equipment will I need?

  Ideally you’ll need a laptop or tablet, along with internet access, to undertake the course; you may be able to complete the course using a mobile phone, depending on the screen size, but it won’t be as easy to complete all the online resources and assessments.

• How long will it take to complete the course?

  You’ll have three months to complete the course, but you can complete it within two weeks if you spend more time studying. Each level 2 course will usually take 30-50 hours to complete.

• Is a distance learning course for me?

  A distance learning course, or online learning as it is sometimes referred to, enables you to undertake a recognised qualification in a flexible way; you can study around your existing commitments and responsibilities, and it is great for developing your confidence in your new found skills. If you are employed, furloughed, or unemployed and looking to get back into work, an online course could give you the motivation you need to succeed in your goals.

  A distance learning course is also ideal if you are looking to further develop existing skills in order to progress within your current company or would like to start your own business. Our online courses are for adults aged 19 and over who are looking to develop new knowledge and skills to improve job prospects, with a wide variety of subjects to choose from. The courses are designed to fit around other responsibilities such as full or part-time work, home schooling or caring responsibilities, and are to be completed within three months from enrolment.

  Your assessor will email you shortly after enrolling to introduce themselves and to provide you with some assessment guidelines; the assessor is there to help and advise you with any queries during your course, and provide the support necessary for you to succeed. Once you’ve passed your qualification you will receive a certificate from the awarding body, providing evidence of your learning to existing or new employers.