Trade Retraining Grants & Funding in London
London manages its own Adult Education Budget through the Greater London Authority — worth over £300 million annually. Here's how to access free and funded trade training across the capital.
£300m+ annually
GLA Adult Education Budget
Devolved funding for London residents
Free Courses
Mayor's Construction Academy
Quality-marked construction training
Free + Interview
Skills Bootcamps London
Up to 16 weeks, guaranteed job interview
GLA Adult Education Budget — London's Devolved Funding
Since 2019, the Greater London Authority (GLA) has managed London's share of the Adult Education Budget. This means London has its own priorities and, in some cases, additional flexibility around what gets funded. The core eligibility rules mirror the national AEB, but the GLA adds London-specific programmes on top.
If you live in a London borough, your AEB-funded training is commissioned by the GLA. You don't apply to the GLA directly — you enrol at an approved college or training provider, and they claim the funding.
Full details: GLA Adult Education Budget
Who Gets Free Training in London?
- Aged 19+ without a full Level 3 — free first Level 3 qualification (covers NVQ Level 3 in all trades)
- Aged 19+ without a full Level 2 — free first Level 2
- On Universal Credit, JSA, or ESA — free training at any level
- English and Maths — free for everyone up to Level 2
- London weighting: Providers receive higher per-learner funding to account for London costs
Mayor's Construction Academy (MCA)
The Mayor's Construction Academy is a quality mark awarded to construction training providers in London that meet high standards for industry links, employment outcomes, and diversity. If you're looking for construction training in London, MCA-hub providers are a reliable starting point.
MCA hubs include major London colleges and specialist providers offering everything from CSCS card courses to full Level 3 diplomas. Many courses are AEB-funded (free for eligible learners).
Find MCA providers: Mayor's Construction Academy
London Colleges Offering Trade Training
These colleges are among the largest providers of funded trade courses in London:
Lambeth College (South London)
Part of South Bank Colleges group. Offers Level 1–3 courses in Plumbing, Electrical Installation, Carpentry and Joinery, Bricklaying, and Painting and Decorating. Strong industry links with major London contractors. Many courses are AEB-funded.
College of North East London (CONEL)
Based in Tottenham and Enfield, CONEL offers construction courses from entry level through to Level 3. Specialist workshops for plumbing, electrical, and bricklaying. AEB-funded places available.
Hackney Community College (now New City College)
Part of the New City College group covering east London. Construction and building services courses at their Hackney and Tower Hamlets campuses. Active apprenticeship programme with local employers.
Barking & Dagenham College
Serves east London and Essex borders. Excellent construction department with courses in Plumbing, Electrical, Carpentry, Bricklaying, and Multi-skills. Well-equipped workshops. Many courses funded through AEB.
South Thames College (South West London)
Part of South Thames Colleges Group. Campuses in Wandsworth, Merton, and Kingston. Offers construction courses from Level 1 to Level 3, plus apprenticeship routes. Strong local employer partnerships.
The Building Crafts College (Stratford)
A specialist construction college in Stratford, east London. Founded by the Worshipful Company of Carpenters, it focuses exclusively on building crafts — carpentry, joinery, stonemasonry, wood carving, and conservation. Unique courses you won't find elsewhere.
Skills Bootcamps in London
London has a strong allocation of Skills Bootcamps, including construction-specific ones covering retrofit, green construction, and site management. These are free for London residents with a guaranteed job interview on completion.
Search current London bootcamps: GOV.UK — Find a Skills Bootcamp
London-Specific Programmes
Construction Skills Fund (via CITB)
CITB runs on-site training hubs at major London construction projects, offering free short courses and direct routes into employment. These "on-site hubs" give you hands-on experience at real building sites.
Borough-Level Programmes
Many London boroughs run their own employment and skills programmes. Examples include:
- Southwark Construction Skills Centre — free construction training linked to local development projects
- Tower Hamlets WorkPath — employment support including construction training
- Lewisham Adult Learning — construction taster courses and progression pathways
- Islington iWork — employment support with construction employer links
Check your local borough council's website for current employment and training programmes.
How to Apply — Step by Step
- 1. Check your qualification level: Do you already hold a full Level 2 or Level 3? If not, you likely qualify for free training through the AEB.
- 2. Choose your trade: Browse our career guides to compare trades by salary, demand, and training time.
- 3. Find a college or provider: Use the colleges listed above or search the National Careers Service course finder.
- 4. Enrol and discuss funding: The college will assess your eligibility for AEB funding during enrolment. Bring ID, proof of address, and any qualification certificates.
- 5. If not AEB-eligible: Apply for an Advanced Learner Loan (£0 upfront).
Explore More Funding Options
Check the full England guide or explore funding in other regions.