Education and Training Courses

Own your future with our career-focused courses
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Whether you’re looking for an alternative to college or to upskill with an apprenticeship, we can help you take the next step.
Why study at Central YMCA?

We are a national charity with a passion for developing people and over 177 years’ experience in training and apprenticeships. We are OFSTED accredited and our high-quality teaching, gold standard guidance and support, fantastic pass rates and clear progression routes will enable you to advance your skills and create a brighter future.

Choose an option that's right for you

Study Programmes

Duration: 36-40 weeks
Who it's for: 16-19 year olds
What you'll get:

  • Study towards a qualification from Levels 1 to 3
  • Meaningful work experience for 1 day a week
  • Build on employability skills
  • Personal development and support
  • English and maths
Find out more

Pre-Apprenticeships

Duration: 6-24 weeks
Who it's for: 16-18 year olds
What you'll get:

  • High quality work experience in a sector you're interested in
  • Essential work preparation training and employability skills
  • Personal development support to help you take the next step
  • English and maths
Find out more

Apprenticeships

Duration: 12-18 months
Who it's for: 16-65 year olds
What you'll get:

  • Study towards a qualification from Levels 2 to 5 for 1 day a week
  • Get paid while learning on the job and gain real work experience, knowledge and skills
  • Support from our Tutors for your personal and professional development
Find out more
Explore our subjects

At Central YMCA our courses are specifically designed around you to help you progress into a career you are interested in.

Business Administration and Management Courses

Improve and achieve: well-organised and motivated teams deliver results

Customer Service Courses

Creating great customer experiences, that people want to talk about

Early Years and Childcare Courses

Get the skills and qualifications you need for a career working with children

Employability Skills Courses

Own your future with our career-focused courses

Fitness and Leisure Courses

Helping people get more active, more often: rewarding jobs in fitness and leisure

Health and Social Care Courses

Caring for vulnerable people with kindness, consideration, dignity and respect

Horticulture and Gardening Courses

Get the skills and qualifications you need for a career in the horticulture industry

Warehousing and Storage Courses

Delivering products and services: right place, right time, right cost

Beauty and Nails courses

Gain the skills and qualifications needed for a successful career as a Beauty Therapist.
Explore Our Programmes for 16-18

What our learners say

Caitlin

“I’ve always had a bad experience with education and never really enjoyed learning. Whether that was because of my anxiety or simply not getting along with the teacher. Joining YMCA has changed that, I love my tutor and I look forward to every session with her. I had a lot of support and reassurance throughout.” 

Study Programme learner

Kari

"I feel more confident stepping into the fitness industry and I have the knowledge needed to guide people on their fitness journey. I hope to inspire others to believe in their potential and that anything is possible. I believe in making fitness a lifestyle for everyone."

FTA Powered by Nike learner

Zack

"I came to YMCA because I was looking for a laid-back place with a person-centred approach. This is the first place I’ve felt supported and actually understood what I’m supposed to be doing. I now have a career path and am looking to start my Level 3 qualification."

Health and Social Care learner