Over A Million Jobseekers To Benefit From New Training Opportunities

Over a million jobseekers could benefit from extra training following the latest changes to Universal Credit, helping fill vacancies from the care sector to the engineering industry.

Across Great Britain, Universal Credit claimants can attend full-time work-related training courses for up to 12 weeks while still receiving benefit payments, following an extension to the rule changes around the Department for Work and Pensions’ Train and Progress (TaP) initiative.

Before the DWP Train and Progress initiative started in April 2021 claimants were limited to training lasting just eight weeks, but since the rules were changed, jobseekers have benefited from the improved training opportunities, part of building a higher skilled, higher paid economy.

The announcement follows the government’s recent £500m expansion to its multi-billion-pound Plan for Jobs, ensuring even more people will be helped back into work and to progress in their careers as the economy continues to bounce back from the impact of the pandemic.

Minister for Employment Mims Davies MP said:

“A higher skilled, higher paid jobs market is in everyone’s interests – and this change can help us get there. It means jobseekers across Great Britain can build their skills and progress, seizing new opportunities as we bounce back from the pandemic.”

At last week’s Budget, the Chancellor announced the most ambitious funding package for adult education in England since 2015, with the government set to invest £3.8bn in skills by 2025.

At the heart of these plans is the government’s ambition to level up and reduce regional inequality so that no matter where in the UK someone lives, they have the opportunity to reach their full potential, find rewarding work and take pride in their local area.

The extension to DWP Train and Progress means those receiving Universal Credit who are in the intensive work search group can take advantage of more sector-specific training – from digital skills to social care and engineering – while continuing to receive financial support.

In England, customers can also take part in the free Department for Education Skills Bootcamps for up to 16 weeks, and will be able to access the planned HGV Bootcamps.

People of all ages can make the most of the opportunities, with Work Coaches matching jobseekers to the best courses for them. People can also search for free courses for jobs in their local area using the Find a Course website in England, World of Work in Scotland and Careers Wales, or can talk to their Work Coach to find out more.