Training for the future

Everybody has skills that they can bring to a job. But if it's been a while since you worked, or if you've been in the same job or type of work for some time, you might be worried that your skills are out of date. Training can help you to:

• develop your existing skills and abilities
• develop new skills, and
• get useful qualifications.

All of these will increase the range of jobs which you can apply for. Some employers also give training after you start work. At Jobcentre Plus, we can help you decide what sort of training is best for you, and tell you about help with course fees, transport costs or the cost of looking after your children while you're training.

What sort of training can I do?

There is training available out there to suit every need. For example, you might need to improve your basic skills (reading, writing, maths or English language) or you might want to update other existing skills.

Your local council will offer a wide range of part-time courses and evening classes for adults, such as courses in English language and computing. These are often available free to people claiming benefits like Jobseeker's Allowance, Income Support and Housing Benefit. You can find the contact details for your local council in the phone book or on the Directgov website.

You could also check your local college or university for study options, from vocational programmes (like NVQs) to degree-level courses.

The Directgov website provides information on training and jobs, as well as career and job descriptions, and information on local childcare and voluntary work.

Learn new skills

Learndirect offers high-quality learning at a time and place that suits you. You choose what to learn and when to learn. And you can learn at your own pace.

There are more than 1,500 learndirect centres across England and Wales to help you get started - no matter when and where you decide to learn.

Find out more at www.learndirect.co.uk or call 0800 100 900 for advice on thousands of courses from hundreds of providers across the country. In Scotland, you can visit www.learndirectscotland.com or call 0808 100 9000.

Getting help to pay for training

A personal adviser at Jobcentre Plus can tell you what support you might be eligible for if you decide to do a training course, such as help with the cost of course fees, fares or registered childcare. If you've already joined New Deal for Lone Parents and you go on an approved course or programme, you may qualify for a training premium payment which is paid on top of your benefit.