Nine EAL qualifications added to Free Courses for Jobs from August 2026

The Department for Education (DfE) has announced an expansion of the Free Courses for Jobs (FCFJ) programme, with 72 engineering and manufacturing qualifications approved for inclusion from 1 August 2026. The expansion will help increase access to fully funded training in priority skills areas, supporting employers to address workforce shortages across the sector.

EAL is pleased to confirm that nine engineering and manufacturing qualifications have been approved as part of the latest expansion and will be available for delivery from 1 August 2026.

The newly approved qualifications will provide training providers with more opportunities to support learners aged 19 and over to gain industry-recognised skills through fully funded courses. In non-devolved areas, the qualifications are also eligible for the existing £600 programme uplift and £150 learner support uplift available through the Free Courses for Jobs offer. In devolved areas, funding decisions will be made by the relevant Mayoral Strategic Authority.

Approved EAL qualifications

• EAL Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Technology 500/7595/0 
• EAL Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Performing Engineering Operations 600/8264/1 
• EAL Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Technologies 601/5669/7 
• EAL Level 2 Certificate in Engineering Technologies 601/5670/3 
• EAL Level 2 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Foundation Competence) 601/7179/0 
• EAL Level 2 Diploma in Maritime Defence (Foundation Knowledge) 603/2311/5 
• EAL Level 2 Certificate in Engineering Operations (Knowledge) 603/3194/X 
• EAL Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Operations (Knowledge) 603/3195/1 
• EAL Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Operations (Skills) 603/3220/7 

If you would like to find out how these qualifications could support your curriculum planning or engineering and manufacturing provision, get in touch with the EAL team.

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