Training

AFF is often contacted by spouses and partners with queries about accessing training opportunities, adult education and funding support.

If you are looking for general university advice, including information on application and funding, please visit the University page in our Education & Childcare section.

Contents

01   Forces Families Jobs - Training

Forces Families Jobs (FFJ) has a range of free and discounted  training opportunities available to military families. These opportunities are available for spouses, partners and adult family members of currently serving military personnel.

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02   Funding for adult education and training

There is no funding available from the MOD or the Army for spouses and partners to train in new skills. However, there are other sources you can explore.

Some financial assistance is offered to military families to support a course of study or training. This may include help with the added costs and expenses associated with studying.

Royal British Legion President’s Award Scheme

The RBL Women’s Section provides educational grants and scholarships to assist those in financial need with costs linked to education. Partners and children of serving military personnel are eligible to apply.

Education grants are awarded to those undertaking an educational course lower than post-graduate level, to assist with costs such as course fees, childcare, textbooks, equipment and travel.

An educational scholarship is available to help children of serving personnel with the cost of accommodation while studying at university away from home.

The Government website provides information on grants and bursaries for adult learners to help pay for courses and training including in healthcare, social work and teaching. Usually, you don’t have to pay this money back.

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03   Accessing adult education and training

There is a wide range of information and resources if you are looking to access adult education and training opportunities. These include:

  • The National Careers Service provides careers advice and information on a wide range of jobs, training course resources and funding.
  • Skills Bootcamps are government funded flexible training courses to help you develop new skills, to progress your career or train in a new industry.
  • Apprenticeships are available in a wide variety of sectors and roles, combining practical training in a job with study. They are available to anyone aged 16 or over. To find out more, visit gov.uk/become-apprentice.
  • The government page ‘free courses for jobs’ explains how you can access free level 3 qualifications in England to help you gain new employment skills
  • Mature students: university and funding on the Government website has a host of information for mature students to access full and part-time degree courses and funding.
  • Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) supports access to higher education for adult learners across Scotland, with programmes specifically designed for adults returning to education after a gap.
  • NHS Health Education England has fully funded return to practice courses for nurses who may have left the profession and want to return and be GP practice nurses.
  • NHS Apprenticeships offer an alternative route into hundreds of different careers within the NHS, through a mixture of on-the-job and classroom learning.
  • Open Learn is the home of free learning from The Open University, offering bite-sized learning experiences on a huge range of subjects, designed to fit easily into daily life.
  • The Open University offers short courses to help fill skills gaps and build confidence, and standalone modules which can count towards a diploma or degree at a later stage, if required.
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04   Distance learning

Distance learning can provide a great opportunity for you to study. If you would like to find out whether being a distance learner is the right option for you, then the Open University’s Open Learn programme has a free course ‘Am I ready to be a distance learner?’ to help you become a successful distance learner.

If you are considering taking a distance learning course why not look at the Open and Distance Learning Quality Council for advice on selecting distance learning courses, questions to ask and a list of accredited providers.

Wiltshire College has a range of distance learning courses available throughout England.

More information on distance learning courses is also available from:

Open University
The Association of Distance Learning Colleges

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05   Transferring qualifications

For more information about transferring qualifications, either from overseas or between the Home Nations, please see our Employment page.

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