Learner Support
MITSkills IAG Service
MITSkills aims to provide all learners and potential learners with information, advice and guidance that empowers them to make self-determined choices about learning and work.
Our objectives are to ensure that all learners and potential learners:
- Receive clear, accurate, up to date, accessible, objective and impartial information before committing to a course.
- Receive requested information and advice within seven working days of asking.
- Can access appropriate opportunities to discuss how a proposed course meets their needs with (1) tutors or tutor organisers (2) AG or support staff in the college (3) external specialists.
- Can access information and advice about (1) available financial help (2) learning support and/or (3) other local opportunities that might meet their needs.
- Can access clear, accurate, up-to-date, accessible, objective and impartial Advice & Guidance about progression opportunities.
- To speak with our experienced IAG team for advice, contact us using this form or call 0845 4309009.
Useful Links
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Education and Training Support
National Careers Service – Find a Course
This service helps learners explore thousands of approved training and education opportunities across the UK, including apprenticeships, technical qualifications, adult learning and professional courses. It’s a reliable starting point if you’re unsure what training options are available or want to compare local providers.
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/find-a-course
National Careers Service – Learning Choices
The National Careers Service offers impartial advice on different learning routes, including apprenticeships, college courses, online learning and skills development. It helps you understand which qualifications suit your goals and how to access training that fits your needs.
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice
OpenLearn (Open University) – Free Courses
OpenLearn provides free online courses from the Open University, covering subjects from business and healthcare to digital skills and wellbeing. These bite-sized courses are perfect for strengthening your knowledge, boosting confidence or supporting your current studies.
https://www.open.edu/openlearn/
BBC Skillswise (English & Maths Skills)
BBC Skillswise offers practical English and maths activities aimed at improving everyday skills. Ideal for Functional Skills and GCSE learners, it includes videos, worksheets and quizzes to help build confidence in literacy and numeracy
English and Math Education Strategy
MITSkills recognises the importance of a whole-organisation approach to English and maths. This includes strong governance and accountability, committed and effective senior leadership, and high-quality Teaching, Learning and Assessment (TLA) across all areas of provision.
To view the MITSkills Education Strategy, follow this link.
Skills Forward
Skills Forward is an online platform that helps learners develop their English, maths and digital skills through assessments and personalised learning resources. It shows your current skill level, recommends targeted activities and allows you to track your progress throughout your course or apprenticeship.
https://www.myskillsforward.co.uk/login
Institute for Apprenticeships – End Point Assessments (EPA)
Each Standard includes a detailed Assessment Plan outlining how apprentices will be assessed against all elements of their programme. The type and range of assessment methods vary between Standards, but all apprenticeships include an End Point Assessment (EPA).
The EPA takes place at the end of the apprenticeship and is designed to assess the apprentice’s knowledge, skills, and behaviours in full. It is carried out by an independent End Point Assessment Organisation and usually takes place over several days.
https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/
Study Programme 16 to 19 Residency Eligibility
This guidance is intended to support MITSkills staff and learners in providing evidence of residency specifically for the Department for Education (DfE) 16 to 19 Study Programme (and for learners aged 19 to 24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan).
It reflects the eligibility requirements and rules as of 01/08/2025 and is designed to help study programme learners understand the residency criteria for joining the programme. Guidance
Student Discounts, Savings & Financial Support
Totum Student Card
TOTUM gives students and apprentices access to hundreds of discounts on food, clothing, technology, entertainment and travel. It’s a great way to save money on essentials and everyday spending throughout your course. Before applying, speak to your assessor to get a “confirmation of learning” letter to prove your place on one of our programmes.
Apprentice Oyster Card
Apprentices training in London may be eligible for discounted travel with the Apprentice Oyster Card. It helps reduce the cost of commuting to work or training, making travel more affordable while completing an apprenticeship.
https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/free-and-discounted-travel/apprentice-oyster-photocard
Government Support Schemes
This page explains the different types of financial help available if you’re on a low income, including benefits, grants and other support you may be entitled to. It’s a useful place to check what help you could receive while you’re learning, training or completing an apprenticeship.
https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits/low-income
Turn2Us – Benefits & Grants Checker
Turn2Us offers tools to check what benefits, grants or emergency funding you may be entitled to. It’s especially helpful for learners dealing with financial challenges or unexpected circumstances.
GOV.UK – Free Childcare if Working: Check Your Eligibility
This page helps you check whether you qualify for free childcare while you’re working or on an apprenticeship. It’s a quick way to see if you could get support to cover childcare, which can make balancing training, work and family much easier.
https://www.gov.uk/free-childcare-if-working/check-youre-eligible
GOV.UK – Help with Childcare Costs
This page helps you check whether you qualify for free childcare while you’re working or on an apprenticeship. It’s a quick way to see if you could get support to cover childcare, which can make balancing training, work and family much easier.
Personal Support & Wellbeing
Helplines.org – Directory of Support
Helplines.org provides a comprehensive list of free, confidential helplines and support services covering mental health, crisis support, addiction, domestic abuse, homelessness and more. It’s a handy resource if you — or someone you know — need immediate advice, emotional support, or guidance on difficult situations.
Click here to access the Helplines website
NHS Mental Health Support
The NHS provides clear guidance on accessing free mental health services, talking therapies and crisis support. Learners can find trusted information to help manage wellbeing and understand where to go for immediate or long-term help.
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
United Nations – Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This site introduces the 17 Sustainable Development Goals — global targets focused on ending poverty, protecting the planet and promoting peace and equality. It helps learners understand how education, work and personal choices connect to these worldwide goals, and why being socially and environmentally aware matters.
Young Minds
Young Minds supports young people up to age 25 with mental health advice, self-help tools and guidance. It’s a safe place to learn about managing emotions, dealing with stress and finding support services when needed.
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/
Mind – Mental Health Charity
Mind is a UK mental health charity offering resources, helplines and practical support for anyone experiencing anxiety, low mood or other mental health challenges. They provide clear, accessible information on a wide range of wellbeing topics.
Samaritans (24/7 Support)
Samaritans is a 24/7 confidential helpline offering emotional support to anyone who is struggling or in distress. Whether you need someone to talk to or you’re supporting a friend, they provide immediate, non-judgmental help.
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice helps people understand their rights and find solutions to problems relating to housing, employment, debt, benefits and wellbeing. Their advice is free, confidential and available online, by phone or at local centres.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
The Mix (Under 25s)
The Mix offers free, confidential support for young people under 25 on issues such as mental health, finances, housing, relationships and work. They provide chat services, helplines and practical guides for managing everyday challenges.
Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP)
This section of the CEOP (Child Exploitation & Online Protection) website offers practical advice, support and resources to help you stay safe online — whether you’re using social media, messaging apps or browsing the web. It’s a great place for learners to find guidance on safe internet use, how to recognise risks (like grooming or fraud), and what to do if you experience or spot something worrying.
https://www.ceop.police.uk/Safety-Centre/
CEOP – Report Abuse or Online Concerns
This page on the CEOP (Child Exploitation & Online Protection) website lets you make a report if you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, exploitation, grooming or unsafe behaviour online. It’s a confidential and direct way to get help — especially important for young learners — ensuring your safety and wellbeing when using the internet or social media.
https://www.ceop.police.uk/ceop-reporting/
ACT Early – Get Help with Worries About Extremism
ACT Early offers confidential advice if you’re worried that you or someone you know may be getting drawn into harmful extremist ideas. The site explains what signs to look out for, how to get help early, and where to go if you need to talk to someone in confidence. It’s a safe place to get support and make sure you or others stay protected.
Act for Youth – Safety Guidance for Young People
The Department for Education, PSHE and NaCTSO have created updated ACT for Youth lesson materials to help young people understand how to stay safe in the unlikely event of a knife or gun attack. These resources give practical, age-appropriate advice to help you protect yourself and know what to do in an emergency.
Careers, Employment & Progression
Find An Apprenticeship
This service lists thousands of apprenticeship vacancies across all sectors in England. It’s the official place to search, apply and set alerts for apprenticeship opportunities at different levels.
https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
GOV.UK – Become an Apprentice
This page shows how to start an apprenticeship — explaining what apprenticeships are, how they work, and how to apply. It’s a great first stop if you’re thinking about joining an apprenticeship and want to learn what to expect and how to get started.
https://www.gov.uk/become-apprentice
National Careers Service
The National Careers Service provides free advice on job options, skills development, CV writing, interview techniques and career planning. Learners can explore job profiles, complete skills assessments and get guidance on their next steps.
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/
TUC – Understanding Trade Unions
The TUC website explains what trade unions are, how they support workers, and why many people join them. It’s a great place for learners and apprentices to find out about workplace rights, fair pay, safe working conditions, and how unions can help you if you need representation or support at work.
Prospects
Prospects offers detailed career profiles, industry insights and progression pathways, making it especially valuable for learners on higher-level technical qualifications. It helps you understand what jobs suit your skills and how to reach them.
Careersbox
Careersbox provides short, real-life video case studies showing people in a wide variety of jobs. These videos help learners understand what different careers look like and what skills or qualifications they require.
My World of Work
My World of Work is a careers and skills hub offering tools for career planning, identifying strengths, exploring industries and preparing for work. It’s helpful for learners at any stage of their career journey.
https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/
UCAS Career Guidance
This page lets you search a wide range of apprenticeships across many different industries and training levels. It’s useful if you want to explore what’s out there, compare opportunities and find an apprenticeship that matches your interests and goals.
https://careerfinder.ucas.com/
National Careers Service – Discover Your Skills & Careers
This tool helps you explore your strengths, interests and skills, and suggests potential careers that suit you. It’s useful if you’re not sure what path to take, or want ideas for jobs that match what you enjoy and where your skills lie.
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/discover-your-skills-and-careers
National Careers Service – Explore Careers
This page lets you browse through a wide range of occupations to see what jobs are out there, what skills and qualifications they require, and what you could expect to earn. It’s great for learners wanting to research different career paths and figure out which jobs might suit their goals and interests.
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/explore-careers
Future Learn – Employer & Staff CPD
FutureLearn hosts free and paid short courses created by universities and employers. Learners can explore new topics, build professional skills or supplement their studies with flexible, interactive online learning.
Living Wage Foundation – Real Living Wage & Better Work Standards
The Living Wage Foundation calculates a “real living wage”—a wage rate based on the actual cost of living—and encourages employers to voluntarily pay it so workers can afford essentials like rent, food and bills. They also support employers to commit to secure hours (via “Living Hours” accreditation) and decent work practices. If an employer is accredited, it means they aim to treat staff fairly: paying a wage that meets living costs and offering stable, dignified work
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)
MITSkills Equality and Diversity Calendar 2025
Our Equality and Diversity Calendar highlights key cultural events, awareness days and celebrations throughout the year. It’s designed to help learners understand and appreciate the wide range of backgrounds, identities and experiences within our community. By exploring the calendar, you can learn about important days, broaden your awareness and take part in activities that promote respect, inclusion and equality for everyone.
View our Equality & Diversity Calendar here
Equality Advisory Support Service (EASS)
EASS provides free, impartial advice on issues related to discrimination, equality and human rights. Learners can use this service if they feel they’ve been treated unfairly or need guidance on their rights under the Equality Act 2010.
https://www.equalityadvisoryservice.com/
ACAS – Equality & Diversity at Work
ACAS offers clear guidance on equality, discrimination and workplace rights. It helps learners understand what fair treatment looks like and what to do if they experience unfair behaviour in employment or training.
https://www.acas.org.uk/discrimination-and-bullying
Stonewall (LGBTQ+)
Stonewall supports LGBTQ+ people with information, resources and campaigns for equality. They provide guidance on rights, inclusion and support services for learners who identify as LGBTQ+.
Equality & Human Rights Commission (EHRC)
The EHRC promotes and enforces equality laws in the UK. Their resources explain your rights, how discrimination is defined and what support is available if these rights are breached.
https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/
Refuge (Domestic Abuse Support)
Refuge provides specialist support and safe accommodation for individuals experiencing domestic abuse. Their website offers guidance, helplines and emergency contact information for those needing immediate help.
Galop (LGBTQ+ Anti-Abuse Helpline)
Galop supports LGBTQ+ individuals facing abuse, discrimination or violence. Their helpline and online resources offer confidential, specialist advice and emotional support.
Queer Britain
Queer Britain is the UK’s national museum and resource centre dedicated to LGBTQ+ history, culture and rights. It offers informative exhibitions, educational materials and community events — a great place for learners to explore LGBTQ+ stories, understand diversity and feel supported no matter their background or identity.
MITSkills Handbooks
Apprenticeship Handbook
A guide for new apprentices with lots of information to get you started with your apprenticeship with MITSkills
Study Programme Handbook
A guide for learners joining a Study Programme. This guide will help you understand what the course involves and what is required to pass.
Apprenticeship Employer Handbook
A guide for employers who have or would like to fire an apprentice. This guide will help you understand your’s and your apprentices’ rights and responsibilities.
Apprentice Feedback
DfE Apprentice Feedback
Apprentices can now provide feedback on their training through their Department for Education (DfE) platform. This allows providers to gather valuable insights to help further develop and improve their programmes.
You can submit feedback through your My Apprenticeship Account.