You can refresh your skills or learn new ones at any stage in life. This is particularly helpful when you’re starting a new career, transitioning to a different role, or returning to work after caring for your children.

This page will guide you in exploring the types of learning that might be right for you, as well as the support available to single parents with costs and childcare.

Choosing the right type of learning

Getting help with costs

Making time for learning

It’s helpful to have a clear understanding of why you want to learn something new in the first place. Start by identifying what you need and why – this will guide you in choosing the right course or training program.

Assess Your Skills

Consider the skills you already have and where you want to improve. Reflecting on this at any stage of your career can be valuable. Which skills will be most beneficial for your career progression? Are there any gaps you need to fill?

The National Careers Service offers useful tools for assessing your skills. Their discovery tool can help you identify what you’re good at and enjoy, which can guide you toward the right career path.

Their skills health check includes a series of tests to help you pinpoint both your personal and work-related skills. It will also help you recognise your transferable skills – those abilities you’re good at that can apply across various jobs. For example, communication, problem-solving, or teamwork.

If you’re searching for a new job, take note of the skills listed as required or desirable in the job descriptions of roles that interest you.

You can also explore different careers through the National Careers Service. This will help you understand what a job entails, the skills and knowledge needed, and whether it’s the right fit for you.

It can be helpful to discuss your options with others, especially those who have professional insight into the career you’re currently in or considering.

You can call the National Careers Service for free at 0800 100 900 to speak with an advisor, or connect with them online or by email. If you’re employed, consider speaking with a colleague about the types of training that could be beneficial. If you’re on Universal Credit, discuss potential training options with your work coach to help with your job search goals.

You might also consider finding a mentor – someone experienced who can guide you as you start or advance in your career.

Finding the Right Place to Study

The National Careers Service is a great starting point, offering a wealth of information on training opportunities in England. Use their course finder to search for courses in your area, and filter for options that accommodate your childcare responsibilities, such as online courses or those with flexible learning hours.

Not all learning and training costs money. The National Careers Service skills toolkit has lots of free courses on everything from practical maths to coding to personal wellbeing.

If you’re working, your employer might agree to pay for some or all of the costs if you can show how the learning will help them.

If you have to pay for things yourself, you might be able to get financial support. If you’re 19 or older, on a further education course and on a low income, you could get Learner Support to help pay for things like:

• Travel costs
• Course materials and equipment
• Childcare

You apply for this through your training organisation or school, so if you’re eligible always ask about this before you start. 

If you’re under 20, you can apply for Care to Learn to help with your childcare costs while you’re studying.

See our pages on help with further education and help with higher education for more about financial support while studying.

Not all learning and training comes with a cost. The National Careers Service Skills Toolkit offers a wide range of free courses, covering everything from practical maths to coding and personal wellbeing.

If you’re currently working, your employer may agree to cover some or all of the costs if you can demonstrate how the training will benefit them.

If you need to pay for training yourself, you might be eligible for financial support. If you’re 19 or older, enrolled in a further education course, and have a low income, you could qualify for Learner Support to help cover expenses such as:

• Travel costs

• Course materials and equipment

• Childcare

You can apply for this support through your training provider or school, so be sure to ask about it before starting your course if you’re eligible.

If you’re under 20, you can apply for Care to Learn to help with your childcare costs while studying.

For more information on financial support while studying, check out our pages on help with further education and help with higher education.

Finding time for new activities can be challenging as a single parent. If the thought of adding something else to your schedule feels overwhelming, here are a few tips that might help.

Taking Time Off Work

You may be able to take time off work to train or study, although this time is typically unpaid unless your employer offers to pay.

To request time off for training or study, you must meet these conditions:

• You must have been in your job for at least 26 weeks.

• The organisation must employ at least 250 people.

• You need to demonstrate how the learning will help you improve your job performance.

Working Fewer Hours

It may be possible to reduce or adjust your working hours to fit around your learning schedule. Learn more about flexible working options.

However, if you’re receiving benefits, reducing your hours could impact your support, possibly lowering the amount you receive. It’s important to discuss this with your work coach before making any changes.

Getting Help with Childcare

One way to free up time for learning is to increase your childcare hours. The government’s Learner Support and Care to Learn schemes offer assistance with childcare costs, which could provide more flexibility for you. Be sure to check out our page on childcare to ensure you’re taking full advantage of any free childcare options available to you.