Education – support for Young Adult Carers

Learning, whether that is going to college, university, attending online courses, or learning a new skill, can be hugely beneficial. Some benefits may include:

  • Giving you time away from your caring role
  • Allowing you to be your own person and develop
  • Meeting new people
  • Confidence building
  • Interesting, exciting, and enjoyable
  • Keeping your mind active
  • Helping you to get into employment
  • Can improve your physical and mental health

Many universities and colleges will support Carers, so take advantage of the support out there to help you make the most of your learning experience.

Some universities have a dedicated member of staff who supports student carers.

Check that your university course doesn’t invalidate any Carers Allowance you are receiving. If you are receiving Carers Allowance, you can only study up to 21 hours a week, including classes, lectures, tutorials, seminars, and the independent study expected by the university.

Some universities offer a young carers bursary of £500 per year for students under the age of 25, and others offer travel bursaries in case you need to go home more often due to your caring responsibilities.


For more information contact:




There are many organisations that can help you, such as:


Jobskilla provide classroom funded training courses to unemployed or low income skills seekers across Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire. 

If you would like to take part in any of these course, please ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria, and then contact the Carers Hub to apply.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Learners must be aged 19 – 65, 19 year olds must have turned 19 as of 31st August 2025.
  • Learners must be currently unemployed or earning less than 25,000 PA
  • Learners must have a valid form of ID
  • Must not have completed these qualifications previously
  • A learners maths and English working level must be at least an Entry Level 3
  • Must have a Nottinghamshire or Derbyshire postcode.

All course come with a guaranteed job interview after completion.

Find out about the courses here

Start Date: Every week or fortnight

Course Location: Nottingham or Derby

9:30am – 15:30pm Monday – Friday for 2 Weeks

Qualifications:

  • Level 1 Certificate in Construction
  • Level 1 Award in Health & Safety in a Construction Environment
  • Level 1 Environmental Awareness and Energy Management 
  • Level 1 Carbon Awareness
  • CITB Touch Screen Operative Test 
  • Funded CSCS Card on successful completion

Induction Date: Monday 12th January 2026

Start Date: Monday 19th January 2026 – Friday 30th January 2026

9:00am – 17:30pm Monday to Friday for 3 weeks

Location: Sneinton, Nottingham

Qualifications

  • Highfield Level 1 Certificate in Personal Development for Employability (RQF)
  • Highfield Level 2 Certificate in Customer Service (RQF)
  • HABC Level 2 Award for CCTV Operations (Public Space Surveillance)
  • Level 3 Emergency First Aid
  • Fully Funded SIA Test & Badge

Induction Date: Tuesday 6th January 2026

Start Date: Monday 19th January 2026 – Friday 6th March 2026

9:00am – 17:00pm Monday to Friday for 7 weeks. Medical (Required before starting work)

Location: Derby city

Qualifications

  • PTS Card ( Personal Track Safety)
  • TIC (Track Induction Card)
  • OLEC1 (Overhead lines on site)
  • DCCR (Direct Current Conductor Rail)
  • All PPE (Safety Equipment)
  • Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Rail Engineering Track Maintenance
  • Level 2 Certificate in Rail Engineering Underpinning Knowledge

Start Date: Monday 2nd February 2026 – Friday 20th February 2026

9:00am – 17:00pm Monday to Friday

Location: Derby city

Qualifications

  • HABC Level 1 Certificate in Employability
  • HABC Level 2 Certificate in Customer Service
  • HABC Level 2 Award in Working as a Door Supervisor
  • HABC Level 2 Award in Security Guarding for the Private Security Industry
  • Level 3 Emergency First Aid
  • Fully Funded SIA Test & Badge

This is a full-time programme Monday to Friday. You will be required to attend training from 09:00 -17:30 daily.