A Career Development Loan (CDL) is a deferred repayment bank loan to help pay for vocational learning or education for people aged 18 years and over. Individuals can borrow anything between £300 and £8,000 to help fund up to two years of learning, plus (if relevant), up to one year's practical work experience where it forms part of the course.  CDLs can be used for a wide range of vocational courses and technical training.

The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) pays the interest on the loan for the period of training and for one month afterwards.  The trainee repays the loan to the bank over an agreed period of up to five years at a fixed rate of interest.  CDLs are available through four high street banks.  Barclays, Clydesdale, the Co-operative and the Royal Bank of Scotland.