NEW Free English and Maths course for Londoners
Developed by The Skills Centre, the free Functional Skills and ESOL course will help learners achieve Entry Level 3 qualifications, removing barriers to employment and trade careers
A new, free three-week English and Maths course in East London is creating opportunities for the local community to build a better future.
Designed and delivered by The Skills Centre, this Functional Skills ESOL course supports residents in gaining vital English and Maths qualifications required for entry-level roles in construction and other skilled trades.
The Functional Skills and ESOL Bootcamp will be held at The Skills Centre at Build East, Hackney, starting in January. This course is ideal for learners interested in construction training or those actively seeking work but lacking the English and Maths skills needed to meet entry criteria.
Each month, the course offers up to 15 learners from the local community the chance to study English as a Second/Other Language (ESOL) and Maths Functional Skills. By completing this English and Maths course, learners gain an Entry Level 3 qualification in both subjects, helping them meet essential job entry requirements.
Jon Howlin, CEO of The Skills Centre, one of the UK’s leading construction training providers, said:
“We have been building opportunities for local people to enter the construction industry for over a decade. One of the biggest challenges we see is that many prospective learners struggle to access entry-level construction programmes due to lower English or Maths skills. This barrier limits access to training and shrinks the talent pool for our industry—especially now, with growing demand for skilled workers.
“With our experienced team already delivering successful Functional Skills training for apprentices, we developed this ESOL English and Maths programme to open a new door for learners. The course is open to anyone who needs support with their English or Maths skills, whether they are skilled workers converting an overseas qualification or local residents who faced barriers in traditional education.”
While The Skills Centre actively seeks partnerships to secure local funding, the initial pilot will be funded by The Skills Centre itself.
Jon continued: “We chose to make this Functional Skills course free of charge because we see many people eager to start a career in construction but unable to meet entry-level English and Maths requirements. For some, lacking these skills is the only barrier to finding meaningful work. By removing this obstacle, we’re helping more people enter rewarding careers in this essential industry.
“We hope this programme opens new doors for those who may have faced challenges gaining these qualifications before, allowing them to take their first steps towards a sustainable career.” Jon Howlin
The free English and Maths course launches in January and is open to anyone over 19 who lives in London and is either unemployed, not working, or earning under £25,000 a year.
For more information on referring yourself or another person to the Functional Skills and ESOL Bootcamp, or for additional construction training courses at The Skills Centre, get in touch today.
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