For the first time training providers have the discretion to offer fully funded skills training to unemployed people who are not on state benefits.

The Skills Funding Agency has said that training organisations can have the discretion to offer fully funded training to people who are unemployed and need skills training to help them enter work.  This discretion is mainly aimed at helping people in direct receipt of a state benefit, but can also be applied to others who are unemployed and need skills training to help them get work.  It will be up to providers to determine if they think doing the training will help the person get employment and availability of funding is limited.

Unemployed people who think they need skills training to overcome barriers to work can check availability of training places on DMT's website or simply complete the website Application Form or call DMT to find out if the training they want is available and of they could be eligible to have the training fully funded by the government.