Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698926841704.pdf (United Kingdom)
Funding and permitted hours for skills training Contents Introduction Full time and part time training courses Funding for skills and training Access to Work DWP Train and Progress: increased training hours Training referrals Introduction Many claimants who require support with developing their basic or employability skills could benefit from training courses that specifically target their skills gaps.
There are a number of programmes in place to support Universal Credit claimants in receiving training targeted at preparing them for starting work which are funded in different ways.

Further support is also available for some claimants in certain circumstances when participating in provision.

DWP Train and Progress is a campaign which allows claimants to participate in longer training courses, giving them the best opportunity to develop their skills and gain qualifications.
Full time and part time training courses Where a claimant is not a qualifying young person, they can participate in part time courses or full time non-advanced (Level 3 or below) / vocational study or training without provision of a loan or maintenance grant.

This is not treated as being in education under the basic conditions of entitlement if they are still able to meet any work-related requirements that may be placed upon them.
For more information, see the ‘Other course of study or training’ section of Students: Eligibility, conditionality and student income.

Funding for skills and training All adults in England have a statutory right to access free learning in: • English up to level 2 • Maths up to Level 2 • digital learning at Level 1 Any adult who wants to achieve their first full level 3 qualification (equivalent to two A-Levels, or a technical certificate or diploma) has access to nearly 400 fully funded courses.
Training providers have discretion to fully fund training for learners who are in low- paid work, including those in receipt of Universal Credit, if their gross annual salary is less than £17,374.50 (academic year 2021/22).

Periods of education and training are generally expected to be of a short duration.
This is usually up to 8 weeks, except in specific circumstances, for example where claimants have very low skills such as: • maths • English • ESOL ICT • For further information on Department for Education skills funding in England see Skills for Life website.

Funding for skills and training in Scotland Funding for training may be available through Skills Development Scotland.

Individual Training Account is a scheme that provides targeted funding.
The aim is to support employability by focusing funds on claimants actively seeking employment, and those who are currently in low paid work and looking to progress.

Individual Training Accounts are available to help claimants develop the skills needed for work.

Claimants who meet the eligibility criteria are given up to £200 towards a single training course or training episode per year.

As this is not a loan, the money does not have to be repaid.
Claimants can find information on training available to them on My world of work website.

Funding for skills and training in Wales Welsh government also provide support to help claimants move closer to the labour market.

For further information see the Working Wales website Support finder is an interactive tool to find the right provision for the claimant in Wales.
Support with travel and childcare by providers For some provision, the provider will support the claimant with travel and childcare expenses and not DWP for example Work and Health Programme, ReAct+ (Wales).

Flexible Support Fund Flexible Support Fund (FSF) can also be considered to help fund elements of training, provision, and skills support.

See: Flexible Support Fund: Training and education.
Access to Work Access to Work is a grant that offers financial help to support people with a health condition or disability in overcoming barriers to work.

It can help with the extra costs of moving into work or employing someone with a disability.

If training or provision offers paid work, work experience or work-based training, eligible claimants can consider applying to Access to Work for support.

For more information, see: Access to Work.


DWP Train and Progress: increased training hours DWP Train and Progress enables claimants to receive consistent support in addressing their skills needs so that they are better equipped to take up vacancies.

Through DWP Train and Progress, the length of time people can receive Universal Credit while undertaking work-focused training has been extended.
Until April 2023, the amount of time Universal Credit claimants can take part in full time, work-related training has been extended to up to 16 weeks throughout Great Britain.

This means that Universal Credit claimants in England, Scotland and Wales can participate in full-time, work-related training for up to 16 weeks.
Training referrals Any referrals to training courses are recorded in the Claimant commitment as well as any circumstances or skills gaps preventing the claimant from immediately taking up work.

Claimants who have already completed a Level 3 training course for a specific sector would not usually be referred for another training course.

However, they can take up a training opportunity in a different sector if it is the best route to support them to obtain the skills required in their local Labour Market.
When considering referrals to training, especially for in-work claimants, providers must confirm that skills funding is available.

Universal Credit is not intended to be a substitute for education maintenance or other educational grants.

See Students: eligibility, conditionality and student income.