Fully Funded Courses for Parents and Carers
'Free to Learn' at Borders College
A programme of free learning and support to help parents and carers improve their options.
If you're a parent or carer earning under £33,000 (or receiving benefits), you can learn something new at Borders College, completely free. We could also help with the things that often get in the way, like childcare and travel costs.
Backed by the Scottish Government, ‘Free to Learn’ is about gaining new skills to give yourself more options: around the work you do, the time you have, and the direction you take. It puts you in control, which can only benefit your future and your family.
Whether you're currently in work or not, you can decide what you learn and how much. It could be a day or two to try something out, or part-time learning that builds over time. Big or small, we'll help you choose.
How it works around your life:
- It's free. Learning costs you nothing, and we could support you with childcare and travel too.
- It fits around you. There are evening and part-time options. Some learning happens in the community or from home, not just on campus.
- It won't affect any benefits. Free part-time learning won't impact your allowances. We can also do a personalbenefits check with you, so you know where you stand.
- You'll be looked after. Lots of our learners are adults coming back after time away, so you won't be in a classroom full of teenagers. Support is also available for dyslexia, mental health, reading, writing, numbers and English.
- You can start small. Try a taster first. There's no pressure, and no need to know where it leads.
Not sure where to start?
That's what we're here for. Talk to us and we'll help you find learning and support that works for you.
While applications are welcomed from all eligible parents and carers, priority will be given to:
- Lone parent families
- Families with a disabled adult or child
- Larger families (three or more children)
- Minority ethnic families
- Families with a child under one year old
- Families with mothers under the age of 25.
We encourage anyone who meets the eligibility criteria to get in touch and explore the learning opportunities available.
Funding Options 👇
RISE Fund
The Raising Income through Skills and Education (RISE) Fund supports parents and carers to develop new skills through flexible training opportunities designed to fit around family life.
To be eligible for the RISE Fund, you must:
- Be living in Scotland full time (including those with refugee status or asylum seekers)
- Be a parent or carer
- Have a child at home who is under 18 years old
- Earn an individual income of below £33,000
Training Access Fund (TAF)
The Training Access Fund (TAF) provides employed parents and carers with access to fully funded skills training, helping them enhance their qualifications, develop new skills and progress in their careers.
To be eligible for the TAF, you must:
- Be living in Scotland full time (including those with refugee status or asylum seekers)
- Be a parent or carer
- Have a child at home who is under 18 years old
- Earn an individual income of below £33,000
New Flexible Workforce Development Fund (New FWDF)
The New Flexible Workforce Development Fund (FWDF) supports parents, carers and young people in employment to develop new skills and enhance their career prospects. The fund also encourages employers to invest in workforce training that meets business needs while helping employees gain valuable qualifications and progress in their roles.
Please note: This funding programme is separate from the original Flexible Workforce Development Fund introduced in 2017.