Planning your next career step can be both exciting and overwhelming. You may be asking yourself how to afford training, which qualifications employers are looking for, or how to balance study alongside work and family. In Wales, Personal Learning Account (PLA) funding and PLA Digital funding helps take away some of these challenges by covering the cost of accredited courses that can lead to new opportunities. At NILC, we support learners across Wales to access this funding and gain the skills needed to move ahead.
Why career development matters now
The workplace is changing quickly. Technology, AI, and digital tools are reshaping how we work, while traditional industries are demanding new levels of efficiency and adaptability. According to CompTIA’s latest research, 27% of the workforce has actively pursued a new job or career change in the past three months. Even more striking, earning an industry-recognised certification is ranked the number one strategy for career development.
The message is clear: employers are seeking candidates who show both adaptability and proof of skills. Whether you want to progress in your current role or shift into a new field entirely, investing in training now gives you the best chance to secure opportunities in the future.
What is PLA funding?
The Personal Learning Account (PLA) is a Welsh Government scheme designed to help people in employment gain skills in priority sectors without worrying about course fees. Eligible learners can choose from a wide range of fully funded courses in IT, project management, digital skills, and other high-demand areas. The aim is to give you the freedom to retrain or upskill around your existing job and personal commitments.
To qualify, you need to:
- Be aged 19 or over
- Live in Wales
- Be in employment/self-employment (earning any amount for PLA Digital, or under £34,303 for PLA Core)
- Want to gain new skills to progress, retrain, or change careers
NILC works closely with learners to confirm eligibility, identify suitable courses for their goals and help guide you through the simple application process.
Who is PLA funding for?
PLA funding is designed for working adults who want to improve their prospects but may not have the financial means to pay for professional training. Many NILC learners fall into these categories:
- Professionals in their 30s, 40s and 50s who want to move into higher-level roles or management
- IT support staff aiming to gain certifications like CompTIA A+ or Security+ to secure a promotion
- Project Managers seeking industry recognised qualifications such as PRINCE2 or AgilePM
- SME owners or self-employed workers who want to upskill with Digital and Tech to become more productive
- Career changers who want to step into in-demand fields like cybersecurity, cloud, or data analysis
Course delivery is flexible, meaning you can study around your job and family responsibilities. Most courses are offered as virtual live instructor-led, which makes them accessible wherever you are in Wales.
In-demand careers supported by PLA
One of the strengths of PLA funding is its focus on skills that employers are actively hiring for. Job seekers consistently highlight higher pay, better work-life balance, and career growth as top motivations for training. PLA courses help you target these goals.
IT and Digital Skills
- CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ provide foundational knowledge for careers in IT support, networking, and cybersecurity. These certifications are internationally recognised and often essential for entry-level and mid-level roles.
- CompTIA Data+ and Cloud+ equip you for the fast-growing data and cloud computing fields.
- Microsoft 365 training helps you build day-to-day digital skills that employers value highly.
Project Management
- AgilePM training courses give you tools for managing projects flexibly and effectively.
- PRINCE2 training courses are industry-standard certifications for project managers across sectors.
Cybersecurity and Data Analysis
- As digital threats grow, employers are increasingly prioritising staff with cybersecurity knowledge. PLA-funded courses such as CompTIA Security+ and CySA+ prepare you for these roles.
- Data analysis courses, such as Power BI, help you understand and interpret information, a key skill in both business and tech environments.
Overcoming barriers to career change
CompTIA’s 2025 Job Seeker Trends report found that many workers hold back from pursuing new careers due to concerns about cost, time, or lack of skills PLA funding directly addresses these issues:
- Cost – Courses are fully funded, so you do not have to worry about training fees.
- Time – Flexible learning options are tailored to course delivery that suits you.
- Confidence – Industry-recognised qualifications prove to employers that you have the skills they need.
PLA training also helps close the “confidence gap” where people underestimate their ability to enter technical fields. With structured learning and support, learners find they can succeed in areas they once thought were out of reach.
Why choose NILC for PLA-funded training
NILC is a trusted training partner to multiple colleges in Wales and offers a personal, local, and flexible approach.
- Expert instructors – Our trainers bring real-world experience and practical insights.
- Flexible learning – Choose from classroom, virtual, or blended learning options.
- Regional expertise – As a leading training provider in Wales, we understand the local job market and employer needs.
- Proven results – Many of our learners secure promotions, new jobs, or successful career changes after completing their courses.
- Quality feedback – NILC are rated Excellent on Trustpilot and have a 5 star rating.
Your next step
If you want to move ahead in your career, PLA funding could be the opportunity you have been waiting for. With NILC’s support, you can gain the qualifications and confidence to apply for new roles, secure promotions, or switch into high-demand fields.
Get in touch today and let NILC help you take the next step in your career.
