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 learners in Wales.
As a potential learner in Wales, you are provided with the opportunity to study on a part-time, flexible basis, as long as you meet a set of criteria. PLA funding could help you achieve globally recognised qualifications, develop new career prospects, or upskill to progress within your current role.
At TSW, we are able to offer 100% funding for Health & Safety and Environmental Management qualifications for those on a salary of less than £29,500 per year.
These qualifications are 100% funded with courses running at our training centre in Bridgend, on Microsoft Teams, or via E-learning.
TSW Training’s PLA funded courses
There are a number of qualifications you can complete with TSW Training, using PLA funding:
Free Health and Safety Courses
- IOSH Managing Safely
- IOSH Working Safely
- NEBOSH General Certificate
- NEBOSH Fire Safety Certificate
- NEBOSH Construction Certificate
Free 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
Free online courses in Wales
We know that getting to a classroom location for courses can be difficult; that’s why we offer all of our PLA courses online too. Click any of the links above to find out more about the courses you require.
How do I apply for free courses in Wales?
Applying for PLA funding is very simple and quick.
We’ll send you the online links to apply and a dedicated support team will be on hand to guide you through the enrolment process.
Once the funding is approved, you’ll be given a range of training course dates and options to choose from.
All fees for your PLA course will be covered by the Welsh Government, paid directly to your chosen training provider, so there is no need for you to part with any money.
Our team have helped plenty of learners and employers to receive PLA funding and they’ll be happy to guide you through the process too.
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 the age of 19 when your course starts.
Plus, you also have to meet at least one of these if you:
- are earning under £29,534 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
- are a full-time carer (paid or unpaid)
- are 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 you must have completed any exams or assessments before you apply for your next qualification.
Get in touch for further information on the range of qualifications available. Our advisors will be happy to chat with you about the best qualifications to suit your professional development needs.
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: