Explore Self-Employment

Thinking about becoming a digital marketing freelancer and want to understand what skills are needed to start up? Our fully-funded Explore Self-Employment programme will get you started with understanding freelancing skills, learning how to do market research, coming up with and refining a business idea, and pitching it to others.

Who is this for?

  • You are considering becoming self-employed

  • You want practical guidance for getting started

  • You have existing digital marketing skills and experience to offer potential clients

  • 40 hours over 4 weeks, part time

  • Hybrid format: live online sessions with a weekly in-person day

  • Practical sessions with hands-on tasks and feedback

  • Gain a Level 1 qualification

  • Progression support to help you decide what’s next

Next programme:

5th-30th October 2026

ELIGIBILITY

As our programmes are funded, you will need to meet the following GLA eligibility criteria:

  • Aged 19+

  • Living in the Greater London Authority area

  • Right to work in the UK (Please note that Student Visas and Graduate Visas are not eligible)

  • Not in full time work or full time education

Age Eligibility

WYK is a non-profit organisation with a focus on supporting underrepresented young people to upskill and access employment opportunities.

As a result of this focus, we cap our age eligibility at 40.

If you meet the eligibility criteria above and would like to apply for our next programme please submit an application and we will be in touch to discuss next steps.

Apply Now

Getting Started

Understand self-employment essentials, business structures and how marketing freelancers make money

Practical Skills

Develop skills in project management, self-promotion, resilience and working with clients

The Essentials

Learn the basics of pricing, record keeping, tax and invoicing

Developing your Services

Refine your marketing services and learn how to research your target audience, competitors and

Presentation and Pitching

Learn how to present and pitch your idea to others, with constructive feedback from our team and your peers

Progression Support

Finish the programme knowing if self-employment is the right path for you, with an action plan for getting started

FAQs

  • As this is a funded programme, you will need to meet the following eligibility criteria:

    • 19+ at the programme start date

    • Right to work in the UK (Please note that Student Visas and Graduate Visas are not eligible)

    Not eligible or not sure? Fill in our application form and the team will direct you to the right programme.

  • This is a part time programme, with 40 hours of live sessions (online and in person) over 4 weeks. You may require some additional time to complete assignments.

  • This programme is designed to help you decide if becoming self-employed is the right fit for you. You might want to progress to further learning with us, or to access other local business support. We’ll help you plan your next steps.

  • This course focuses on how to become self-employed as a digital marketer, offering your existing marketing skills to customers.

    You will therefore need existing skills and experience in at least one area of marketing, for example social media, SEO, paid ads, email marketing, website content, marketing strategy. If you’re not sure if this is the right fit, please complete an application and we will get back to you.

  • This programme won’t be the right fit for you if you’re already self-employed - it’s designed for those considering this path or at a very early stage.

  • You’ll just need to confirm that you can attend the sessions - please check individual programme times.

  • Apply via our website. We will review your application and eligibility.

    If you are eligible, we’ll then invite you to an informal interview (online) with a member of the WYK team.

    If successful, you’ll be invited to enrol in the programme.