Adult Skills Fund

Get the skills you need for a new start via Surrey’s Adult Skills Fund. 

Find a funded course to help you develop your existing skills, start a new career or progress in your current job.

What is the Adult Skills Fund?

The Adult Skills Fund (ASF) helps adults gain the skills needed to get into, stay in and prosper at work. 

It is funded by government funding and managed locally by Surrey County Council.  

The ASF can pay for courses that help you:  

  • Improve your English, maths or digital skills 
  • Build your confidence and skills to find a job
  • Gain skills in key sectors locally

Courses vary in length, level and format, so you can find one that fits around work and family life.

Many are fully funded. Others you may need to pay, depending on your circumstances.

Scroll down to view available courses and providers in Surrey for 2026/27

Two men sit at a computer learning in a further education college in Surrey

Who can apply?

To take part in adult skills funded course, you must:

  • Be aged 19 or over 
  • Live in Surrey 
  • Meet UK residency requirements (your provider can check this) 

Other restrictions may apply.

Please check with the course provider before signing up.  

5 steps to adult skills

Browse

Browse available list of sectors and providers below 

Apply

Check the full details on the providers’ website and sign up to a course that suits you best

Meet

Get contacted by the course provider and enrol onto the course

Succeed

Enrol and start learning 

Earn

Take your learning into the workplace.

Decorative image. Funded by UK government logo

Find a course provider in Surrey

Explore courses in health and social care, childcare, mental health and wellbeing, counselling, and SEND.

To get started, choose a training provider from the list below and sign up directly via their website.

Explore courses in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

To get started, choose a training provider from the list below and sign up directly via their website.

Explore courses in engineering, rail infrastructure, aviation, automotive maintenance or skilled trades.

To get started, choose a training provider from the list below and sign up directly via their website.

Explore courses in construction, building services, digital technology or logistics.

To get started, choose a training provider from the list below and sign up directly via their website.

Explore courses in education, teaching, childcare, adult care and learner support.

To get started, choose a training provider from the list below and sign up directly via their website.

Build essential skills in English, maths, digital, employability and life skills to support you in progressing towards employment, further learning and greater independence.

To get started, choose a training provider from the list below and sign up directly via their website.

Explore courses in the digital, data and technology sector to help you pursue a career in IT, software development, cyber security, data analysis or digital services.

To get started, choose a training provider from the list below and sign up directly via their website.

Adult Skills Fund FAQs

There are a wide range of courses available through Surrey’s Adult Skills Fund.

They cover a variety of sectors and subject areas. You can view the full list of training providers above.

Details about the specific courses they offer are available on the providers’ website.

This will help you find a course that matches your interests, career goals, or personal development needs.

This will depend on the course you choose.

Some courses may include an exam, while others may not.

You can talk about this with your training provider before you sign up.

Many Adult Skills Fund courses are fully funded. This means there is no cost to eligible learners. Some courses will depend on other factors.

It all depends on your age, current qualifications, if you’re already working and residency status.

Your chosen training provider will be able to check all of this for you.

Just talk to them directly and they will let you know about any fees before you enrol.

It all depends on the course – some are on site and others online only. Some are hybrid (meaning a mix of in a classroom and online).

It depends on the course you’re doing and who is providing the training.

Please check the course details on the provider website or contact the training provider directly to find out.

Yes – though this depends on your circumstances.

The training provider will be able to give you advice on this.

They will also be able to say if you can study more than one course at the same time or if you can progress onto the next one straight away.

Most adult skills fund learners will still be able to receive welfare support.

It does depend though on how old you are, what the course is, if it’s full time and the financial support you get.

Providers should be able to help with this.

If not, then talk to your DWP work coach or visit the government benefits calculator.

Travel support may be available. Talk to your provider about this directly.

Adult Skills Fund courses are designed to help you succeed.

Many course providers offer guidance and support throughout your learning.

This can include help from tutors, trainers, or learner support teams.

If you need additional assistance during your course, please speak to your training provider before you sign up.

There’s lots of support available to help you gain new skills or find a job.

Start by completing our Find Your Next Step tool which will guide you to the best support for you.

You can also Contact Us and one of our friendly team will respond in five working days.

Each course provider will have their own terms and conditions.

Check with them if you have any questions before you sign up.