Trade Retraining Grants & Funding in Nottingham
The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) has managed the Adult Skills Fund locally since August 2025. Start with its course directory and ask your college about eligibility for funded training.
Funded Training
EMCCA Adult Skills Fund
Locally managed since August 2025
Free + Interview
Skills Bootcamps
Construction & retrofit options
5+ Colleges
EM Training Providers
Nottingham, Mansfield, Newark & beyond
Adult Skills Fund in Nottingham
The East Midlands Combined County Authority has managed the Adult Skills Fund locally since August 2025. Its funding supports eligible residents across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, including approved courses through Free Courses for Jobs.
Check the EMCCA Adult Skills Fund and course directory. Ask the provider to confirm eligibility, available places and any costs before enrolling; a funded course is not a job guarantee.
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. Check the current course directory for local 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.