Adult Learning Grant (ALG) Helps Adults Learn in 2006 say Learning and Skills C
Further Education as a sector is not a single entity; rather, it is composed of many different teaching and learning styles, programmes, and environments.
One of these is Adult Learning, sometimes referred to as post 19 training and education. In the funding statement from the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) last year, post 19 training was the only part of the FE sector to suffer an absolute cut in funding as the LSC sought to meet Government targets for 16 ““ 18 participation and Level 2 training.
This was not well received by many in FE, as fears grew that adult participation in learning and education would suffer. It seems that adults may have to foot the bill, with some colleges being encouraged to put up fees to meet costs. Rob Wye, the Director of Communication and Strategy at the LSC, told us recently: “Colleges will have to make some tough decisions, but they also have the opportunity to look for extra income for their activities by raising fees paid for courses by adult learners who already have good qualifications and by employers, whose bottom line can benefit from increased workforce skills.”
ALG to the Rescue?
Steve Palmer from the LSC in Lancashire is encouraging Adult Learners in his area to take advantage of the support provided by the Adult Learning Grant (ALG) if they wish to participate in courses. The ALG is worth anywhere up to £30 per week for adults with a household income of less than £30,000 per year, and adults over the age of 19, studying for approximately 12 hours per week or more and working towards their first full level 2 or level 3 qualification at a Lancashire college are eligible.
Mr. Palmer said: “There are a lot of adults in Lancashire who are learning new skills or returning to education who wouldn”t have had the chance without the ALG. Anyone who wants to learn but is worried they can”t afford it should find out if they are eligible too.”
For more information on the ALG through the LSC Lancashire website, please click here or call on 0800 100 900.
Jethro Marsh
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