There’s no single education voucher in the UK, but there are many schemes that can help adults retrain in tech. Learn how to combine government-funded programmes, local support and flexible payment options to make your bootcamp more affordable.
Across the UK there is a patchwork of public funding and training support designed to help adults update their skills, especially in priority areas like digital and technology. Examples include government-backed Skills Bootcamps, Free Courses for Jobs (funded Level 3 qualifications in England), sector-based work academy programmes (SWAPs), apprenticeships and adult education courses run through local colleges or training providers. These programmes are usually free for eligible learners and are intended to help people move into work, change career or progress in their current role.
Code Labs Academy is a UK-based private training provider. Our bootcamps are not part of these government schemes, but many learners use them alongside our courses – for example, by taking a free government-funded qualification to build their foundation, then using personal savings, employer sponsorship or Jobcentre Plus support (such as the Flexible Support Fund) to contribute towards their bootcamp tuition.
In some circumstances, a Work Coach, careers adviser or local authority may be able to use discretionary budgets to cover part or, occasionally, most of an external training course. Eligibility and amounts are decided entirely by the public body providing the funding, not by Code Labs Academy. Government-funded courses like Skills Bootcamps or Free Courses for Jobs normally pay the tuition of the approved college or training provider that delivers them and cannot simply be transferred to another course. For that reason, we recommend treating public schemes as one piece of your overall funding plan rather than assuming they will automatically cover your full bootcamp fees.
Exact rules vary by scheme, but many UK funding and training programmes are aimed at adults who:
Most schemes expect you to live in the UK (and, for some programmes, specifically in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland), to have the right to live and work here and, in many cases, to be aged 19 or over.
Many initiatives prioritise people who are unemployed, on Universal Credit or other income-related benefits and actively looking for work.
Schemes such as Free Courses for Jobs focus on adults who do not yet have a full Level 3 qualification (for example A-levels or equivalent) or who are earning below a set income threshold.
Skills Bootcamps, sector-based work academy programmes and other initiatives often support people who need to retrain for a new role, are returning to work or whose current job is changing or at risk.
Some programmes accept employed learners whose employer wants them to gain higher-level skills, particularly in areas with skills shortages like software development, data or cyber security.
Start by clarifying your goals and courses. Explore our bootcamps and book a call with our team so we can help you outline a realistic training plan in tech.
Check official guidance on funding. Visit trusted sources such as GOV.UK or your devolved nation’s education pages to read about programmes like Skills Bootcamps, Free Courses for Jobs, apprenticeships and other adult learning offers in your area.
Speak to a Work Coach or careers adviser if you are unemployed, on benefits or at risk of redundancy. Your local Jobcentre Plus, Careers Service or employability programme can explain which schemes you might qualify for and whether any discretionary funds could contribute to external training.
Gather information about the course you want to take. We can provide written details about your chosen Code Labs Academy bootcamp – including dates, syllabus, price and expected outcomes – so you can share them with your adviser when discussing support.
Confirm any funding in writing and then enrol. Once you know what support you can receive, share this with us so we can agree a payment plan, reserve your place and make sure your start date lines up with any conditions set by your funding body.
Are you ready to see how a Code Labs Academy bootcamp could fit into your wider training and funding plan? Schedule a call with one of our education specialists to review your situation, talk through UK options you might be able to investigate, and map out a realistic route into a tech career.
