What is PLA funding?
PLA funding refers to Personal Learning Accounts (PLA), a Welsh Government financial support package providing a range of free courses for individuals in Wales.
PLA funding could help you achieve globally recognised qualifications, develop new career prospects, or upskill to progress within your current role.
At TSW, we can offer 100% funding for Health & Safety and Environmental Management qualifications (subject to eligibility criteria). These qualifications are available at our training centre in Bridgend, on Microsoft Teams, or via E-learning.
Facing Redundancy: React+
PLA Funding does not cover you if you have been made redundant. However, you can still access funding through the React+ funding scheme. Find out more.
TSW Training’s PLA Funded Courses
There are several qualifications you can complete with TSW Training using PLA funding:
Health and Safety Courses
IEMA Courses (Environmental Management)
- IEMA Foundation Certificate in Environmental Management
- IEMA Certificate in Environmental Management
- IEMA Environmental Sustainability Skills for Managers
- IEMA Environmental Sustainability Skills For The Workforce
- IEMA Pathways to Net Zero
- IEMA Introduction to Net Zero
Online Courses in Wales
We know that getting to a classroom location for courses can be difficult, so we offer all of our PLA courses online, too.
Click any of the links above to learn more about the required courses.
How do I apply for free courses in Wales?
Applying for PLA funding is very simple and quick.
We’ll send you the online application link and a dedicated support team will be on hand to guide you through the enrolment process.
Once the funding is approved, you’ll be able to select from a range of training course dates and options.
The Welsh Government will cover all fees for your PLA course, which will be paid directly to your chosen training provider. Therefore, you do not need to part with any money.
Our team has helped plenty of learners and employers receive PLA funding, and they’ll happily guide you through the process.
Use the contact form below to register your interest in PLA funding.
Am I Eligible for PLA funding?
There are certain criteria you must meet to be eligible for PLA funding.
Firstly, you must live in Wales and be over 19 when your course starts.
Plus, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Earning under £32,596 annually (This does not apply to our free IEMA courses, which have no salary cap)
- Work for an agency
- Are at risk of being made redundant
- Work on a zero-hours contract
- In a full-time carer (paid or unpaid)
- An offender on day release
You won’t be accepted for PLA funding if you:
- Are unemployed
- Live outside of Wales
- Are under 19 when your course starts
- Go to school or college full time
- Are in full-time education
- Aren’t an eligible overseas national
- Receive an Assembly Learning Grant or Education Maintenance Allowance
- Are on an apprenticeship
You can only take one qualification at a time and must have completed any exams or assessments before applying for your next qualification.
How can I apply for a Personal Learning Account?
Get in touch for further information on the range of qualifications available and to check your eligibility.
Our advisors will happily advise you on the best qualifications to suit your professional development needs.
Redundancy and Personal Learning Accounts
The Personal Learning Account initiative is available to individuals facing potential job loss. Should you find yourself without a job while engaged in your studies, it’s advisable to persist with your education if your situation permits.
Personal Learning Accounts can be managed in tandem with the ReAct+ scheme. You should continue your studies and avoid prematurely leaving the Personal Learning Account initiative for ReAct+.
Participation in ReAct+ vocational training support is not permitted while enrolled in a course via a Personal Learning Account.
Nonetheless, if you qualify, you will be able to access the following assistance from the ReAct+ scheme:
- Employer Recruitment Support, which is the wage subsidy component of ReAct+
- Continued education through the Personal Learning Account
Alternative Funding Options
If PLA funding isn’t quite what you’re looking for you can see what other funding is available on our selection of funding information pages: