Community learning offers practical, government-funded training for adults who want to build useful skills without the pressure of exams. Our courses are hands-on, taught live by expert instructors and focused on skills you can put into practice straight away, from running a business and using AI to managing money.
Adult community learning is funded through the Adult Skills Fund, which also supports accredited training. But community learning takes a different approach. Here's what makes it different.
Every session is hands-on. You'll work on your own business, plans and finances, rather than completing generic textbook exercises.
These courses don't lead to an accredited qualification. Instead, the focus is entirely on building practical skills you can put to use straight away.
Course places are government-funded, so eligible learners pay nothing. Each course page explains the eligibility requirements.
Courses are delivered part-time and online, in short, focused sessions that fit around work, family and other commitments.
Whether you're looking to grow a business, develop new skills or return to work, our community learning programmes combine practical training with skills you can put to use straight away.
Looking for funded adult education in Hampshire? Build, Brand and Balance is currently free for eligible residents in the Hampshire County Council area, excluding Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight. We're also working to bring community learning opportunities to more areas.
Grow your business with clarity and confidence
9 days
Part Time
1 or 2 Days/P.W
A hands-on course for business owners, founders and the self-employed, across three modules you can take together or on their own: AI and efficiency, digital marketing and storytelling, and business finance essentials.
If you'd rather finish with an accredited certificate on your record, the Adult Skills Fund also backs our NCFE cyber security qualification, regulated by Ofqual and recognised nationally.
Explore our qualificationsFunded places are free for eligible learners, with no course fees and no hidden costs. Eligibility is set per course: Build, Brand and Balance, for example, is currently free for residents of the Hampshire County Council area, excluding Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight. Each course page states exactly who qualifies, and if you're unsure, we'll check for you.
No, and that's deliberate. Community learning courses are non-accredited, so the focus is entirely on practical work that develops skills you can use in your own business or career, rather than preparing for exams. If you'd like a recognised qualification, our NCFE courses offer that next step. The two pathways also work well together: build practical skills through community learning, then develop them further with an accredited qualification.
No. There are no formal entry requirements and no particular background or experience needed. You just need basic computer skills and a willingness to get involved, share ideas and work on your own plans during the sessions.
Courses are delivered live and online, part-time and in short, focused blocks designed to fit around work and family commitments. Sessions take place in small-group, instructor-led workshops, giving you the opportunity to ask questions, share ideas and get support as you learn.
Our courses are funded through the government's Adult Skills Fund, in partnership with local and combined authorities, and delivered by Tech Educators. The funding is paid directly to us as the training provider, so eligible learners don't pay anything or need to handle any funding arrangements.
Tell us where you are now and what you'd like to achieve. Our team will help you explore the courses, understand the funding and guide you through the application process.
Talk to our team