The urge to learn something new does not disappear with age. In fact, for many people, their sixties are the perfect time to invest in new skills, either to remain active in the workforce, to support volunteering, or purely for the pleasure of learning. But where do you start — and how do you afford it? 

Across the UK, there is an increasing range of training options that welcome older adults. Local colleges are often a good place to begin. Many offer short, part-time courses in subjects ranging from bookkeeping to floristry, with flexible hours that make them easy to fit around other responsibilities. It’s always worth asking whether they offer discounts for people over sixty — many do, even if it is not widely advertised. 

Then there are online platforms. Websites like FutureLearn, OpenLearn, and Coursera provide access to free or low-cost courses from universities around the world. Subjects are as varied as health, art, business, and psychology. Some offer certificates for a fee, but most allow you to learn at your own pace without pressure — a good fit for anyone wanting to build confidence before moving on to something more formal. 

For those still in work, or looking to return, the National Careers Service can provide advice tailored to older workers, including retraining pathways and free skills assessments. In England, some people may also be eligible for funding through the Skills for Life campaign or specific adult education schemes run by local authorities. Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland offer their own variations — with Scotland’s My World of Work and Wales’s ReAct+ schemes among the most supportive. 

For people on low incomes or receiving benefits, training may be subsidised or fully funded — especially if it is likely to lead to employment. And charities such as The Workers Educational Association (WEA), u3a, and Age UK often run low-cost or free programmes, sometimes focusing on digital inclusion or confidence-building alongside specific skill sets. 

Grants are also available through less obvious routes. Turn2Us is a national charity that helps people identify grants they may not know they are eligible for — including help with course fees, equipment, or travel. Some professional associations also offer retraining bursaries to older workers changing fields, particularly in health, education, and social care. 

What matters most is not the size of the course or the prestige of the provider, but the sense of purpose it brings. A course that sparks interest and keeps you curious is often the one that leads to growth, whether or not it ends in a qualification. 

Retraining after sixty can feel like a leap, but with the right support — and a little digging — it becomes something far more manageable. Something to enjoy. Something to be proud of. 

Training and Funding Opportunities After Sixty 

National Careers Service: Offers free, impartial careers advice and skills assessments tailored to older adults seeking to upskill or change careers.
​GOV.UK – Help and Support for Older Workers: Provides comprehensive guidance on employment support, training, flexible working, and age discrimination protections for individuals over 50. ​