Trade Retraining Grants & Funding in Birmingham

WMCA Adult Education Budget

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has managed the region's Adult Education Budget since 2019. Covering Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, and Walsall, the WMCA prioritises skills that support the region's major construction pipeline — including HS2, the Commonwealth Games legacy developments, and thousands of new homes.

The core eligibility rules are the same as the national AEB. If you live in the WMCA area, your funded training is commissioned locally, often with additional flexibility for low-wage workers and career changers.

Details: WMCA Adult Education

Who Gets Free Training?

Aged 19+ without a Level 3 — free first full Level 3
Aged 19+ without a Level 2 — free first full Level 2
On Universal Credit, JSA, or ESA — free at any level
English and Maths — free for all up to Level 2
WMCA additional: Extra support for residents in the most deprived areas of the West Midlands

Birmingham Colleges for Trade Training

Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMet)

One of the largest FE colleges in the UK. Three main campuses: James Watt College (Great Barr), Matthew Boulton College (city centre), and Sutton Coldfield College. Extensive construction department offering Level 1–3 courses in Plumbing, Electrical Installation, Bricklaying, Carpentry and Joinery, Plastering, and Painting and Decorating. Strong HS2 supply chain links.

bmet.ac.uk

South & City College Birmingham

Multiple campuses across south Birmingham including Digbeth, Hall Green, and Bournville. Construction courses from entry level through to Level 3 in all major trades. Active apprenticeship programmes with Birmingham contractors. AEB-funded places for eligible adults.

sccb.ac.uk

Dudley College of Technology

Serves the Black Country area. Excellent construction facilities including a purpose-built Construction Centre. Courses in Bricklaying, Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing, and Construction Management. Good track record of progression into employment.

dudleycol.ac.uk

Walsall College

Modern campus in Walsall town centre with dedicated construction workshops. Offers Plumbing, Electrical, Bricklaying, Carpentry, and Multi-skills. Strong links with local employers and the wider WMCA skills network.

walsallcollege.ac.uk

Solihull College & University Centre

Campuses in Solihull and Stratford-upon-Avon. Construction courses at all levels, plus close proximity to the HS2 Interchange station construction site, creating direct employment pathways.

solihull.ac.uk

West Midlands-Specific Programmes

HS2 Skills & Employment Programme

HS2 Ltd and its supply chain partners run dedicated training programmes for people living near the route. These include free construction skills courses, work placements, and direct routes into employment on the project. Birmingham Curzon Street is a major hub.

HS2 Jobs & Skills

WMCA Construction Gateway

A WMCA programme providing free construction training and direct links to employment. Includes CSCS card training, health and safety, and introductions to specific trades. Ideal as a first step if you're not sure which trade to pursue.

Skills Bootcamps — West Midlands

The West Midlands has a strong allocation of Skills Bootcamps including retrofit and green construction. Free for residents with a guaranteed job interview on completion.

Search: GOV.UK — Find a Skills Bootcamp

How to Apply — Step by Step

1. Confirm your address is in the WMCA area: Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, or Wolverhampton. Your address determines which funding pot applies.
2. Check qualification level: No Level 3? You're likely eligible for free training.
3. Choose your trade: See our career guides for comparisons.
4. Contact a college: Use the Birmingham and West Midlands colleges above. Ask about AEB-funded construction courses and HS2-linked programmes.
5. Enrol: Bring proof of ID, address (within WMCA area), and any qualification certificates. The college claims the funding.