Funded Level 3 Qualifications in Early Years
The Government has announced that they will fund Level 3 qualifications in early years from the 1st April 2021 for those aged over 24.
The offer of over 400 different courses includes a level 3 Diploma in Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator). This applies from 1/4/21, for adults aged 24 years and over, who have not already achieved a Level 3 qualification (equivalent to A-Levels or above).
Those wishing to take up the offer must have started their course by 31st July 2021 to qualify for the free training.
The incentive aims to allow everyone, no matter where they live, or their background, to gain the skills they need to progress in work at any stage of their lives. It will also ensure employers can access the skilled workforce they need, and that more people will become trained to support the skills gaps that currently exists.
For more information, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/qualifications-in-new-funded-offers and click on the document 'List of qualifications included in the National Skills Fund – level 3 adult offer'.
This link takes you to the list of colleges/providers that are offering courses under the Level 3 offer. The DfE is advising people to get in touch with their local college/providers directly to find out which courses they are running and when.