What will I learn?
Course Outcomes:
1. By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
2. Explain the key causes and effects of global climate change.
3. Identify how to reduce energy consumption and waste in a variety of settings.
4. Support their employer in meeting environmental targets and sustainable development goals.
5. Apply for "Green Economy" roles with a recognized Level 2 qualification.

What will I need to take part?
Learners will need a notepad and pen for taking notes during independent research. As this is a Level 2 qualification delivered via Flexible Home Study, regular access to a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet and a stable internet connection is essential for accessing the online learning portal and completing digital workbooks.

While no prior environmental knowledge is required, you should have a basic level of digital literacy to navigate the learning platform and submit assignments. A commitment of approximately 3-4 hours per week for independent study is required to stay on track with the 12-week timeframe.

What to expect
Delivery Model: A 12-week flexible online programme. This is a digital home-study course delivered via our dedicated learning portal, supported by monthly 1-to-1 remote progress reviews and optional "Skills Drop-in" sessions at our North Northants Hubs for learners requiring technical or assignment support.

Methodology: A self-directed, interactive approach. Learners engage with digital modules, video case studies, and independent research tasks. The methodology focuses on "Localised Learning," encouraging students to apply environmental theory to their own homes, workplaces, and the North Northamptonshire landscape.

Sequencing: The curriculum is logically sequenced to build confidence before moving into technical application. Foundations & Science (The Greenhouse Effect, global warming, and human impact). Environmental Management (Legislation, waste reduction, and organizational energy efficiency). Sustainability in Action (The Circular Economy, sustainable development, and personal/professional action planning).

Assessment: Learners are assessed through three structured online workbooks (one per unit) submitted via the online portal. Tutors provide detailed feedback to support achievement. There are no formal examinations.

Where can it lead to?
Achievement: You will earn a nationally recognised NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Climate Change. This qualification validates your understanding of environmental sustainability and provides you with the professional credentials to support "Green Initiatives" within any workplace.

Progression: On completion, you can progress onto further specialized environmental qualifications, such as the Level 3 Certificate in Environmental Management or Level 3 Award in Education and Training if you wish to teach sustainability. It also serves as a strong foundation for Level 3 diplomas in Business Administration or Management with a focus on corporate social responsibility.

Employment: This qualification aligns with the growing demand for "Green Skills" across North Northamptonshire. It is ideal for those seeking roles as Environmental Champions in the workplace, Sustainability Officers, or for individuals looking to enter the Renewable Energy, Sustainable Logistics, or Green Construction sectors.

Course eligibility and fees
This adult learning course may be fully funded or co-funded through the Adult Skills Fund.

To be considered for funding, you will usually need to be:

- aged 19 or over on 31st August in the funding year

- resident in England, outside a devolved adult skills funding area.

- ordinarily resident in the UK on the first day of learning.

- Able to provide evidence of your identity, residency, prior qualifications and where relevant, benefits or income.

If you are unemployed, receive benefits such as Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment Support Allowance, Universal Credit or other state benefits, or if you are working and earn below £26,800 per year you may qualify for full funding.

If you are fully funded, your course will be free. If you are co-funded, you will need to pay a partial 50% course fee. If you are not eligible for public funding, including some international students or people not ordinarily resident in the UK, you will need to pay the full course fee.

Asylum seekers may be eligible for funding in some circumstances, including where they have lived in the UK for 6 months or longer while their claim is being considered, or where they receive certain types of local authority support. We will check this with you at enrolment.

If you are co-funded or not eligible for public funding, your first exam attempt will be included in the course fee. Any subsequent resits will incur an additional fee, which must be paid before the exam is booked.

These requirements are not exhaustive, and other conditions may apply for more information or to see whether you may qualify contact Adult Learning Northants or fill out our Online Eligibility Checker tool to see whether you might qualify - https://forms.office.com/e/Wv2Mb9nSz6

Funding is subject to eligibility checks and course availability.