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Start a New Career

Whether you're stepping into the world of work for the first time or taking a bold step into a brand-new career, this page is here to guide and support you. Starting something new can feel exciting - and sometimes a bit overwhelming - but you're not doing it alone. There are a wide range of opportunities in Kent, designed to help you build skills, gain confidence and take your next step toward the future you want.

Here, you'll find everything from free employment courses and job-ready training to career coaching, apprenticeships and further education pathways. Whatever your age, background or level of experience, there are programmes across Kent created to help you grow, learn and succeed.

Take your time, explore what's available and choose the opportunities that match your goals. Your new beginning starts here - and we're here to help you make it a strong one.

Discover opportunities in Kent

At Kent Adult Education, our KAE Skills courses are designed to help you gain the essential qualifications and confidence you need for work, further study and everyday life. Whether you're looking to improve your English, Maths or Digital Skills, or you're learning English as a second language, we're here to support your journey.

Find out more about English, Maths and Digital Skills courses at Kent Adult Education

Skills Bootcamps are free, flexible training courses lasting up to 16 weeks, designed to help you gain sector-specific skills that are in high demand. The aim of the programme is to help individuals upskill, retrain or formalise their skills to access in-demand jobs, apprenticeships, new opportunities and potentially higher income levels. Upon completion, you'll receive a guaranteed job interview for a role that matches your new skills.

Find out more about Skills Bootcamps

Kent Adult Education offers a range of free* online Employment Essentials courses which can help you if you are looking for a new job or if you want to progress in your career. These courses will support you with gaining skills to help you in your job or next interview.

Find out more about Employment Essentials courses

Connect to Work is a voluntary employment support programme launched by the UK Government as part of the Get Britain Working Strategy. It's designed to help people who face barriers to employment - such as health conditions, disabilities or specific disadvantages - find and stay in meaningful work.

Find out more about Connect to Work.

The Restart Scheme helps long-term unemployed people to start working. They provide a wide range of support options, including skills training, job application and interview preparation, financial help, online tools and health and wellbeing support.

Find out more about the Restart Scheme.

Apprenticeships are real jobs that combine work with training and study. You'll earn a wage, gain skills and have the opportunity to put what you learn into practice.

Find out more about Apprenticeships.

The government might pay for you to take a course that helps you learn new skills or apply for work, depending on your circumstances.

Find out more about free courses for jobs.

Find free support near you with the Joy Platform. From mental health to housing, money advice to loneliness - get the help you deserve, all in one place.

Find out more about Joy.

The Local Kent Directory provides information of local activities, events, support services and education options available in Kent. 

Find out more about the Local Kent Directory.