Personal Learning Accounts (PLA)
A Personal Learning Account (PLA) is a programme funded by the Welsh Government which allows those who meet the criteria to access free courses and professional qualifications that develop skills and help them progress or change their career.
PLA courses provide the skills and qualifications that local employers are looking for. They focus on sectors that are growing in the region and where there is a need for people with these skills. Designed to be flexible and work around you and your commitments, the goal at the end of the course you study is that there will be well-paid job vacancies available for you to apply for.
Eligibility criteria for PLA courses
Individual Learners – PLA
You must:
- Reside in Wales
- Want to gain skills/qualifications in priority sectors
- Be aged 19 years old or over
In addition, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Be employed (including self-employed) and meet the income limit criteria indicated on each course detail below (if applicable) of earning under the median income (£29,534).
- Workers on zero hours contracts, or
- Agency staff, or
- At risk of being made redundant, or
- Offenders on day release
- Full-time carers (paid or non-paid)
Individuals are ineligible, if at the point of application they are;
- Under the age of 19
- attending school or college full-time as a pupil or student; or
- in full-time higher education or
- in Welsh Government funded Work Based Learning; or
- an ineligible overseas national; or
- in receipt of an Assembly Learning Grant or Education Maintenance Allowance; or
- Unemployed i.e. does not have a contract of employment
Even though you may be eligible for funding for more than one PLA course, we can only accept one application per person at a time. If an application is successful for a course, you must complete this course before beginning another course.
If you are unsure which course may be best suited to you, or if you would like advice and guidance on your career development, you can arrange to speak to one of our expert Career Coaches. Simply complete our enquiry form and one of our Career Coaches will be back in touch.
