Building the skills and qualifications needed for a new career can be tricky, especially for those who cannot afford to self-fund training courses or further education.

For eligible adults aged 19 or over, the government’s Free Courses for Jobs scheme can help them gain the skills needed to get the job they want, regardless of their stage in life, by paying the fees for relevant courses or qualifications.

Augusto Queiroz, originally from Brazil, dreamed of a new life and moved to London to continue building his massage career.

After completing an ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Massage at City Lit, supported by the Free Courses for Jobs initiative, Augusto now works as a therapist at University College London Hospitals (UCLH), as well as running his own private massage and wellbeing business.

Augusto Queiroz (small).jpg

Pictured: Augusto Queiroz.

“Access to Free Courses for Jobs has been life-changing”

When Augusto arrived in England, he already had a Brazilian qualification in massage therapy but lacked what was needed to enter the wellbeing industry officially in the UK, and the funding to access the necessary training.

“Access to Free Courses for Jobs has been life-changing for me. It gave me the opportunity to gain a recognised professional UK qualification in massage therapy at a time when paying for further education would have been very difficult.

“I discovered the Free Courses for Jobs programme while researching together with my mum about training opportunities in the massage industry in London. I was looking for a high-quality course that would provide both practical skills and a recognised qualification, and she encouraged me to contact City Lit.

“When I learned about the ITEC Level 3 Massage Therapy course, it felt like an incredible opportunity. It removed a significant financial barrier, allowing me to focus on learning and developing my professional skills.”

“The course opened doors that I never imagined possible”

Free Courses for Jobs provided Augusto with the opportunity to develop the skills and confidence needed to pursue a successful career in massage therapy.

He expected to learn anatomy, physiology and massage techniques, but what surprised him most was what he learned beyond the technical skills: “I learned empathy. I learned mental health awareness. I learned that before muscles, we are human beings.”

“The course at City Lit became the foundation of my career in the wellbeing sector. Although I already had experience as a massage therapist in Brazil, the tutors helped me gain the recognised qualification, support and encouragement that allowed me to transform that experience into a successful career in the UK.”

“Since completing the course, I have been able to work as a professional massage therapist, volunteer within the NHS, and join Whipps Cross Hospital, providing massage to oncology and end-of-life patients at the Margaret Centre.”

“It has opened doors that I never imagined possible and given me the confidence to pursue a career that I am truly passionate about.”

“My proudest achievement has been creating my own massage and wellbeing business”

For those looking to improve their career prospects, Augusto strongly recommends the Free Courses for Jobs programme.

“Free Courses for Jobs gave me the opportunity to invest in myself, and I will always be grateful for that.

“Since completing my Level 3 qualification in massage therapy, I have continued to develop both professionally and personally. One of my proudest achievements has been creating my own massage and wellbeing business, Novéa Executive Recovery, where I provide therapeutic massage treatments to private clients in London at our studio on Baker Street, in private residences, and through corporate visits.”

“This journey would not have been possible without the skills, confidence and opportunities that City Lit helped me develop. I would strongly recommend the Free Courses for Jobs initiative to anyone looking to gain new skills, improve their career prospects, or change direction professionally – it makes education more accessible and provides opportunities that can genuinely transform lives.”

City Lit offers several qualifications funded by the Free Courses for Jobs scheme. Further information, including eligibility criteria, can be found on its website.