A woman in a classroom raises her hand, demonstrating her eagerness to participate and seek answers as an adult learner.

Qualifications Explained - Adult Learners

At B&FC, we cover everything from helping you learn the basics right up to studying for a degree.

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Whether you want to take a professional course to advance your career, learn a new skill, build on existing qualifications or kick-start a new career, we have something for everyone.

There are courses across a wide range of subjects from Business and Automotive to Construction and hair & Beauty with a focus on professional and technical training that will give your career prospects a boost. We have a wealth of experience teaching adult learners and can help you develop the study skills you need to support your success.

  • English, Maths and Computing Basic Skills

    FREE, short, flexible courses to help you with essential skills for life and work.

    English: Improve reading and writing in a supportive, friendly environment

    Maths: Gain confidence with numbers for everyday use and work

    Computing: Learn to use a computer, from basics to internet surfing

    ESOL: Develop English language skills to integrate into the community and find work, with classes for all levels

    Qualifications available:
    • Entry Level Certificates
    • Basic Skills Level 1
    • ESOL Level 1
       

    Level 1

    As well as offering Level 1 Introductory Diplomas in our Basic Skills courses and ESOL (see above), we also offer FREE Level 1 Introductory Diplomas in several of our specialised subject areas.

    Entry requirements may vary depending on the course, please refer to the individual course pages for more information.

    Qualifications available:
    • Level 1 Introductory Diploma
    • CACHE Introductory Diploma
    • NVQ Level 1

  • Level 2

    Our Level 2 courses, which take a year to complete are equivalent to GCSEs, allow you to build strong foundational knowledge in your subject area before progressing onto a more challenging Level 3 course. Most Level 2 courses are FREE or have no upfront fees.

    Entry requirements may vary depending on the course, please refer to the individual course pages for more information.

    Qualifications available:
    • Level 2 Diploma
    • CACHE Certificate
    • NVQ Level 2
    • ESOL Level 2
       

    Level 3

    Level 3 courses are equivalent to 2 A Levels and provide the employment-focused skills and knowledge that can either boost your job prospects or lead to higher level study. Most Level 3 courses are FREE or have no upfront fees.

    Entry requirements may vary depending on the course, please refer to the individual course pages for more information.

    Qualifications available:
    • Level 3 Diploma
    • Level 3 Triple Diploma
    • CACHE Diploma
    • ESOL Level 3
    • NVQ Level 3
    • Access to HE Diploma

Access to Higher Education

Our Access to HE programmes are designed to provide a stepping stone to degree-level study and are especially geared up to adult learners who are returning to education after time away from the classroom. If you use an Advanced Learner Loan to finance your course, this will then be written off if you go on to study a degree.

Learn more about Access to HE
 

Professional Courses

We offer Industry Accreditations and Professional Training courses for commercial customers, including certified training in sectors like Automotive (e.g., MOT testing, gas safety, CENWAT) and Construction. Additionally, we provide professional training in Hair & Beauty to keep practitioners updated with the latest techniques and treatments.

Explore Professional Courses
 

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship provides the best of both worlds - the chance to work towards a nationally-recognised qualification and develop your career at the same time.

You need to be in employment before you can start an apprenticeship, but through our Apprenticeship Vacancy matching service and strong employer relationships we can support you to find your ideal role.

Qualifications available:
  • Level 2 - Intermediate Apprenticeship
  • Level 3 - Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Level 4 & 5 - Higher Apprenticeship
  • Level 6 - Degree Apprenticeship
More on Apprenticeships
Qualifications Explained for Degree-level

You can progress with us all the way up to degree-level study. Our degree-level courses come in all shapes and sizes. Visit our guide that explains what all these different qualifications mean.

Learn about Degree-level qualifications

Contact Us

Don't hesitate to contact our Course Enquiries Team if you have any questions or concerns about qualifications available to Adult Learners.

Call: 01253 504343
Email: info@blackpool.ac.uk