Trade Retraining Grants & Funding in Nottingham
The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is the newest combined authority in England, with devolved Adult Education Budget coming into effect. Nottingham already has strong college infrastructure for trade training. Here's how to access funded courses across the city and county.
Funded Training
EMCCA / National AEB
National AEB with EMCCA devolution coming
Free + Interview
Skills Bootcamps
Construction & retrofit options
5+ Colleges
EM Training Providers
Nottingham, Mansfield, Newark & beyond
Adult Education Budget in Nottingham
Nottingham's Adult Education Budget is currently funded through the national ESFA (Education and Skills Funding Agency), with the newly established East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) set to take on devolved AEB management. This means Nottingham will soon have local control over training priorities — and construction skills are already high on the agenda.
Nottingham is undergoing significant regeneration. The Broad Marsh area is being redeveloped into a mixed-use quarter, the Southside regeneration zone is expanding, and the city's Local Plan targets thousands of new homes. Combined with HS2 infrastructure work in the wider East Midlands, demand for skilled tradespeople across Nottingham is strong and growing.
More info: GOV.UK — Adult Education Budget
Who Gets Free Training?
- Aged 19+ without a Level 3 — free first full Level 3 qualification
- Aged 19+ without a Level 2 — free first full Level 2
- On Universal Credit, JSA, or ESA — free training at any level
- English and Maths — free for all adults up to Level 2
- Aged 19–23 — free first full Level 3 regardless of other qualifications held
Nottingham & East Midlands Colleges for Trade Training
Nottingham College
The largest further education college in Nottingham, formed from the merger of Central and New College Nottingham. The Basford campus houses the Construction Centre with dedicated workshops for Plumbing, Electrical Installation, Bricklaying, Carpentry and Joinery, Plastering, and Painting and Decorating. Courses from Level 1 to Level 3 with both full-time and apprenticeship routes.
Nottingham College has a strong track record for adult learners, with flexible start dates and evening options for some courses. Their apprenticeship programme places learners with employers across Nottinghamshire.
Vision West Nottinghamshire College (Mansfield)
Based in Mansfield with a dedicated Engineering and Construction Centre. Offers Plumbing, Electrical Installation, Bricklaying, Carpentry, and Multi-skills courses. Serves the wider north Nottinghamshire area. AEB-funded places available for eligible residents. Particularly good for residents in Mansfield, Ashfield, and Newark areas who don't want to travel into the city.
North Nottinghamshire College (RNN Group)
Part of the RNN Group, based in Worksop. Construction courses in Bricklaying, Carpentry, Electrical, and Plumbing. Smaller college with a more personal learning environment. Serves Bassetlaw, Newark, and the Nottinghamshire-South Yorkshire border area. AEB-funded places available.
Derby College Group
While based in Derby, the DCG is accessible for south Nottinghamshire residents. The Roundhouse campus has an excellent construction department with courses in all main trades. Particularly strong for students wanting to access Derby's manufacturing and construction employers. AEB-funded places available.
Nottingham-Specific Programmes
Nottingham Jobs Hub
Nottingham City Council runs the Nottingham Jobs Hub, which connects residents with funded training, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities. The construction sector features prominently, with regular recruitment events for trades roles. The Hub can also help with travel costs and childcare while you train.
D2N2 Skills & Employment
The D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (covering Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire) coordinates skills investment across the region. Their Construction Skills Plan identifies priority occupations and directs funding towards trades with the highest demand. Check D2N2 for additional funded opportunities beyond the AEB.
Nottingham Building Schools for Employment
A partnership between Nottingham City Council and major contractors working on local building projects. Provides pre-employment training in construction trades with a guaranteed route to work experience and potential employment on live sites. Particularly focused on Broad Marsh and Southside developments.
Skills Bootcamps in the East Midlands
The East Midlands has a growing allocation of Skills Bootcamps. Construction-specific options include retrofit, sustainable construction, and site management. Free for residents, lasting 12–16 weeks, with a guaranteed job interview on completion. As EMCCA takes shape, expect more locally-targeted bootcamp provision.
Search: GOV.UK — Find a Skills Bootcamp
How to Apply — Step by Step
- 1. Check eligibility: Do you already hold a Level 2 or Level 3? Are you on benefits? This determines whether training is free, co-funded, or loan-funded.
- 2. Pick your trade: See our career guides for salary, demand, and training details.
- 3. Contact a college: Nottingham College (Basford campus) has the widest range of construction courses. Call admissions and ask about AEB-funded places.
- 4. Enrol: Bring ID, proof of address, and qualification evidence. The college handles the AEB claim with the ESFA (or EMCCA once devolved).
- 5. Check bootcamps: Before committing to a longer course, check if a free Skills Bootcamp in your chosen trade is available.
Explore More Funding Options
See the full England overview or check funding in other cities.