Find the right skills and training

Lasting between one and six years, apprenticeships combine work and study by mixing on-the-job training with classroom learning. Apprentices are assigned a workplace mentor, and are then assessed by a local education centre that will review the knowledge, skills and behaviours they have learned.

Bootcamps offer a valuable opportunity for small business owners like you to sharpen your competitive edge. These are short, flexible training courses to address skills gaps within the current workforce and ensure that your employees stay ahead of the latest industry trends.

ESOL courses will help you to improve your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills - enabling you to better communicate with both your customers and your employees. We'll help you choose a course that fits your individual needs and abilities.

A step up from a T Level, this is specialist training that helps students develop specialist knowledge and skills in areas that are relevant to your business. These courses last for a year with most of the learning happening in the classroom, with occasional practical workshops.

If you or your employees live in London and want to learn business numeracy skills, a free course with London Multiply could help to build confidence with numbers, without the pressure of an exam (although you can also opt to gain a qualification if you wish).

These courses allow you to upskill both yourself and your team whilst running your business. Courses last from just half a day up to 12 weeks, and are available during the day, evening or weekends, either online or in-person.

These are practical courses that focus on a specific skill or job. If you’re interested in a particular sector, like childcare or hospitality, this could be the right course for you. The duration of each course varies, and you can progress to further education after you complete your VTQ.