New courses coming to ELATT this September

We're working on new courses in Hospitality & Customer Service, Early Years, and Health & Social Care — and we'd love to hear from you. Register your interest now and be the first to hear when places open.

These courses are subject to funding confirmation.

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Free Courses for Adults in London

ELATT's Adult Study Programme: vocational training with personalised wraparound support in English, maths, career skills or digital skills.

Looking for free adult courses in London? ELATT offers most courses online, so wherever you are in the city, you can study around your life. Build job-ready skills in Digital, Business Support, Health and Social Care, Hospitality, and Child and Youth Work, with small classes, one-to-one support, and qualifications that employers value.

What is the Adult Study Programme?

The Adult Study Programme at ELATT gives you everything you need to move forward in your career. Alongside your chosen vocational course, you will study wraparound support subjects matched to your level following your initial assessment. These may include Functional Skills English, Functional Skills Maths, Career Skills, or Digital Skills.

You will earn a recognised qualification in each subject you study, building your skills and confidence alongside practical, job-ready knowledge that employers value. By the time you finish, you will have more qualifications, a stronger CV, and the tools to step into work with confidence.

About ELATT

ELATT is an award-winning charity based in Hackney, London, with over 40 years of experience helping people move into work and further education. We combine practical, career-focused training with personalised support, so you build real skills and the confidence to use them. Whatever your starting point, background or circumstances, we are here to help you take the next step.

Wraparound Support

Every Adult Study Programme at ELATT includes wraparound support subjects matched to your level at assessment. These may include Functional Skills English, Functional Skills Maths, Career Skills, or Digital Skills. You will work towards a recognised qualification in each subject you study. The Employability & Careers Service and Wellbeing Service are also available to every learner.

Who our courses are for

Entry Requirements

How you'll learn

Outcomes you can expect

Why choose us?

Gain Recognised Qualifications That Employers Trust

Build real skills that strengthen your CV and open doors to better career opportunities. 

Get Mentoring and Career Support That Makes a Difference 

Get personalised support, real work experience, and employability workshops through our Careers & Employability support — helping you plan and move forward in your career. 

Hands-On, Project-Based Learning 

Work on real-world projects and develop practical skills you will actually use in the workplace. 

Learn Your Own Way: Online, In Class or Hybrid 

Fit learning around your life with flexible options. 

Learn from Industry Experts Who Care 

Get support from experienced tutors who understand your goals and how to help you succeed. 

Stay Ahead in Today’s Job Market 

Gain up-to-date training in the skills employers are looking for right now, whether that's in Digital, Health and Social Care, Business Support, Hospitality, or Child and Youth Work, and stay competitive in today's job market.

Support That’s Personal to You 

With small class sizes, we are able to offer personalised support every step of the way — from wellbeing support to one-to-one guidance that helps you thrive.  

Fully-Funded / Free 

As a charity, we make learning accessible for all, removing financial barriers to learning. 

More Than One Qualification

On the Adult Study Programme, you do not just gain a vocational qualification. You also earn recognised qualifications in the wraparound support subjects you study, which may include Functional Skills English, Functional Skills Maths, Career Skills, or Digital Skills.

Helpful Links

ELATT Career Service

Find out more

Learning Community Blog

Find out more

What people say about ELATT

Find out more

Safeguarding

Find out more

Adult Vocational Handbook

Download Handbook

Support for learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

We welcome applications from young people with SEND and tailor support to each learner.

Admissions and placement

An initial conversation and assessment so we understand your strengths, needs and goals, then place you on the most appropriate programme level.

In-class support

Small groups, close tutor attention and learning support staff where needed; support is embedded and non-stigmatising in calm, trauma-aware classes

Flexible engagement

We can adjust attendance and pacing during periods of anxiety or ill-health, with a plan to rebuild to full engagement.

Continuous enrolment

Join during the year to reduce time out of education.

Multi-disciplinary input

Access to specialists where required — an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) / key worker, Employability Adviser, Speech and Language Therapy, and Educational Psychology.

Common needs we support:

Autism spectrum, ADHD, dyslexia and mental-health-related barriers.

EHCP:

We also support learners with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Limitations:

We are not a specialist provider for profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) or for significant learning disabilities requiring specialist provision.

FAQs for Adult Learners

How do I enrol on a free vocational course at ELATT?

You can apply online using the form on each course page, or speak to our friendly team and we will help you find the right course and level. We offer free vocational courses in Digital, Business Support, Health and Social Care, Hospitality, and Child and Youth Work.

Are ELATT courses really free for adults?

Yes, all our adult education courses are free for Londoners. We are able to do this because as a charity we work hard to fundraise for grants and financial support from central government, local government, trusts, foundations and private companies. You can see a full list of our generous supporters here.

Can I study online or in person?

Our vocational courses are available online, and our ESOL courses are offered both online and in person across London.

What support will I get during the course?

You'll receive one-to-one tutor support, wellbeing support, help with digital access, and tailored careers guidance through our dedicated Employability & Careers Service. You will also study wraparound support subjects matched to your level, which may include Functional Skills English, Functional Skills Maths, Career Skills, or Digital Skills. We also support all learners to find voluntary work or placements alongside their course, which builds your CV and gives you real workplace experience.

Will I get support with my next steps after the course?

Yes! We continue supporting you for up to 6 months after you complete your course. We’ll help you explore further education, job opportunities, or volunteering, and support you with CV writing, interview preparation, and job applications.

I don’t have strong computer skills; can I still join a course?

Absolutely. Many of our learners start with little or no IT experience. Depending on your level, you can begin with one of our beginner-friendly courses, like Essential Digital Skills or IT for the Office, to build confidence using digital tools. Our course advisors will help you choose the right course and guide you step by step.

Can I join a Level 3 course if I don’t have any qualifications?

Yes! If you don’t have prior experience, don’t worry, we offer preparatory courses and personalised support to help you build the foundational skills you need to succeed at Level 3. Our tutors will guide you to the right starting point and help you progress.

How long do the courses take to complete?

Our free courses for adults range from short 6–12-week programmes to longer term courses. You can study part-time, and we’ll help you find the right course based on your schedule and goals.

Can I get a recognised qualification with a free course?

Yes, all our free courses lead to nationally recognised qualifications such as Level 2 Certificates, Level 3 Diplomas, and Functional Skills in English or Maths. Check your course page for qualification details.

Which courses help with career change or returning to work?

All of our Adult Study Programme courses are designed for adults who want to change careers, upskill, or return to work. Popular options include Business Administration, Software Development, Health and Social Care, Hospitality, and Early Years. Following your assessment, you will study the wraparound subjects that are right for your level. These may include Functional Skills English, Functional Skills Maths, Career Skills, or Digital Skills. You will work towards a recognised qualification in each subject you study.

Do ELATT courses support getting a job in London?

Absolutely. Our courses are designed with employability in mind. Alongside gaining recognised qualifications, you’ll get access to our Careers Service, which provides personalised guidance, employability workshops, and real-world opportunities. Whether you’re aiming for IT support roles, administration jobs, or tech sector careers, we help you build the skills, experience, and confidence to succeed in London’s job market even if you’re starting with no prior work experience.

Will I study other subjects alongside my main vocational course?

Yes. Every Adult Study Programme includes wraparound support subjects matched to your level at enrolment. Depending on your starting level and needs, these may include Functional Skills English, Functional Skills Maths, Career Skills, or Digital Skills. You will work towards a recognised qualification in each subject you study.

When do your courses start?

Our courses start throughout the year. It’s never too late to apply, but we encourage you to apply soon because places go quickly!

Do I need to live in London to join a course?

Yes, our free adult courses are funded for London residents aged 19 or over. Whether you study online or in person, you must live in a London borough to be eligible for free training.

What is wraparound support? 

Wraparound support is built into every Adult Study Programme. Following your initial assessment, you will be placed in the subjects that are right for your level, which may include Functional Skills English, Functional Skills Maths, Career Skills, or Digital Skills. You earn a recognised qualification in each, giving you more on your CV alongside your main vocational qualification.

Ready to move forward?

Apply now for a place on the Adult Study Programme, or speak to our team to find the best starting level for you.

New courses coming to ELATT this September! We're working on new courses in Hospitality & Customer Service, Early Years, Health & Social Care, and Youth Work — and we'd love to hear from you. Register your interest now and be the first to hear when places open.