Finished school and wondering what comes next?

Whether you know exactly what career you want or you’re still figuring things out, Central Training Academy in Grays can help you take your next step.

We offer free courses for 16–19 year-olds, as well as young people up to the age of 25 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Our programmes are designed to help you gain qualifications, develop practical skills, build confidence and prepare for your future.

If you live in Grays or the surrounding Thurrock area and are looking for an alternative to a traditional college environment, discover what Central Training Academy could offer you.

Not sure what to do after school? That’s OK

Leaving school can be exciting, but it can also feel like there’s suddenly a lot to decide.

College? An apprenticeship? A job? What if you’re not sure what you want to do yet?

You don’t need to have everything planned out. You can also explore Thurrock Careers for local careers advice, information and support to help you think about your next steps.

At Central Training Academy, our team will help you explore your options and find a programme that matches your interests, abilities and future goals.

Our Grays centre (based inside Inspire Youth Hub on Orsett Road) provides a supportive learning environment where you can work towards qualifications while developing the skills and confidence you’ll need for your next step.

What courses can you study in Grays?

There are several programmes available at our Grays training centre, giving you the opportunity to choose a pathway that suits where you want to go next.

Personal Development Study Programme – Not quite ready to jump straight into college, an apprenticeship or employment? Our Personal Development Course is an employability study programme that can help you build confidence, improve your employability skills and prepare for your next steps.

Foundation T Level – A Foundation T Level can help prepare you for progression onto a full T Level or another suitable pathway.

Digital Production, Design and Development T Level – Interested in technology and the digital world? Our Digital Production, Design and Development T Level provides a route into the growing digital sector and can help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to progress towards your future career.

Management and Administration T Level – If you can see yourself working in business, administration or management, our Management and Administration T Level could be the pathway for you.

Interested in a T Level? T Level pathways may be available at our Grays centre depending on demand. Get in touch with our team to find out what’s planned for the next intake.

Why choose Central Training Academy in Grays?

We know that everyone learns differently.

Central Training Academy offers an alternative environment for young people who want to gain qualifications and skills with support along the way.

Build your confidence
Leaving school is a big change. We’ll help you develop your confidence and become more prepared for your next steps.

Develop skills for the workplace
Our programmes aren’t only about gaining a qualification, their designed to improve your employability skills too, which can help you when progressing into employment or an apprenticeship.

Get support from our team
You won’t be expected to work everything out on your own. Our team is here to provide guidance and help you work towards your goals.

Study locally in Grays
Located in Inpisre Youth Hub, just 10mins walk from Grays Station.

You can find us at:

Central Training Academy
1st Floor, Inspire Youth Hub
24–28 Orsett Road
Grays
RM17 5EB

Free courses for 16–19 year-olds in Thurrock

Our study programmes are free for young people aged 16–19, with opportunities also available for learners up to 25 who have an EHCP.

So, if you’ve recently finished Year 11, haven’t found the right college course, or your original plans haven’t worked out, don’t assume you’ve missed your chance.

There are still options available.

Whether you’re from Grays, Tilbury, Stanford-le-Hope, South Ockendon or elsewhere in the Thurrock area, speak to our team and find out whether studying with Central Training Academy could be right for you.

Looking for training in Tilbury? We are opening a new Tilbury centre in September 2026, giving young people in Thurrock even more options for studying locally.

Your next step could start in Grays

You don’t need to know exactly what you want your career to look like yet.

You just need somewhere to start.

Central Training Academy can help you gain new skills, work towards qualifications, meet new people and start building a plan for what comes next.

Ready to find out more?

Explore the courses available at our Grays centre or send us an enquiry today. Tell us a little about yourself, what you’re interested in and what you’d like to do next, and our team can help you explore your options.

Take the next step towards your future with Central Training Academy in Grays.