I don't have many qualifications. Can I get more through work?

Previous government schemes, such as Kickstart, have now ended and the right to time off work for study and training is limited to rights contained in the Employment Rights Act 1996. However, it is worth checking with your local further education college to see if there are any schemes available locally.  

In Wales and Scotland, workers aged 16-17 who are not in education and have fewer than five GCSEs at grade C or above can get paid time off to train.  

For other workers, the right to request time off work for training or study is only available if you meet the following requirements: 

• you are classed as an “employee”;
• you have worked for your employer for at least 26 weeks;
• training will help you to do your job better;
• at least 250 people must work in your organisation. 

Time off is usually unpaid unless your employer agrees to pay it.