Re-entering the workforce after a career break can feel overwhelming. Whether you've taken time off for family, health, travel or other personal reasons, it's natural to wonder: where do I start? One of the smartest (and easiest) first steps is to refresh your skills and boost your confidence with free online courses - and the best news? There are brilliant, government-backed, UK-specific options available right now. In this guide, we'll cover the most effective free training for returning to work, how to choose a course that truly helps, and expert tips to make your transition smooth.
Jump to:
- Why free online courses are the perfect first step back to work
- Don’t miss: ivee’s free return to work bootcamp
- The best free training for returning to work in the UK
- How to choose a free course that will actually help you land a job
- Popular fields you can re-enter with a free online course
- Ready to take your first step back to work?
- FAQs: Free online courses to help you return to work
- Final tip: Join the ivee bootcamp
- References and further reading
Why free online courses are the perfect first step back to work
Taking a free online course for career returners helps you:
If you’re aiming for roles that require up-to-date certifications (like project management, digital marketing, health care support, or admin skills), short courses can make a measurable difference.
Don't miss: ivee's free return to work bootcamp
If you’re serious about making your comeback, join ivee’s FREE return to work bootcamp – the only programme built specifically for women returning after a career break.
You’ll learn:
How to craft a CV that passes hiring filters
How to optimise your LinkedIn for 2025 jobs
Insider strategies to ace interviews and rebuild career confidence
💻 100% virtual | ⏳ 3 weeks of live, actionable coaching
Sign up below – spaces are limited!
The best free training for returning to work in the UK
1. Skills for life by the UK government
The Skills for Life platform offers fully funded courses in digital skills, numeracy, and employability. You can choose flexible online options with accredited providers like The Open University or local colleges.
2. FutureLearn free career courses
In partnership with UK universities and industry leaders, FutureLearn offers free online courses for adults returning to work, covering topics like workplace communication, leadership, and digital literacy.
3. OpenLearn from the Open University
A brilliant resource offering job skills refresher courses across areas like business, health, computing and education, all completely free and self-paced.
4. Digital Boost
A government-supported initiative connecting career returners with free online resources and volunteer mentors to upskill in digital marketing, technology, and business basics.
How to choose a free course that will actually help you land a job
Not all courses are created equal. Here’s how to select free courses for mums returning to work, career changers, or those looking to flexibly re-enter:
Popular fields you can re-enter with a free online course
If you’re wondering which direction to go, here are booming sectors you can tap into with the right free career development courses:
Ready to take your first step back to work?
Returning to work after a break doesn’t have to be daunting. With a free online course, you can upskill at your own pace, boost your employability, and regain your career confidence.
Remember: it’s not about rushing. It’s about building a foundation for success.
✨ Start today with just one free course, and see how momentum builds from there.
The only free bootcamp designed to get returners hired
Join for insider strategies, tailored guidance, and practical tools to help you land your next job.
Secure your spotFAQs: Free online courses to help you return to work
Final tip: Join the ivee bootcamp
If you’re ready to return to the workforce – or just want to explore what’s out there – ivee’s free Return to Work Bootcamp is your perfect starting point.
Join hundreds of women across the UK who are getting the support, training and confidence they need to restart their careers, without compromising on flexibility or purpose.
References & further reading
For more detailed advice and official information, explore these trusted resources:
- Skills for Life – UK Government: free skills training for adults in the UK.
- OpenLearn free courses – The Open University: flexible, career-focused courses you can start anytime.
- Return to Work Bootcamp – ivee: a bootcamp designed for anyone who is returning to work, designed to make you application-ready.
- National Careers Service: career change and return-to-work advice.
- Free online courses – FutureLearn: free professional development courses from the top UK universities
- NHS Learning Support fund: funding options if you’re entering healthcare fields.
- Google Digital Garage: free digital skills certifications, including CV and career support.
The only free bootcamp designed to get returners hired
Join for insider strategies, tailored guidance, and practical tools to help you land your next job.
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