Learners benefiting from improved access to information about training courses

Learners are benefiting from improved access to information about training courses, an assessment into a pilot scheme that outlines how much Government funding is available to them has found.

Skills accounts form a crucial part of the Government’s skills strategy, Skills for Growth, launched last month. According to its first user survey, 94 per cent of respondents think skills accounts, which will be rolled out in autumn 2010, are a good idea. Eighty per cent also said having a skills account would encourage them to take part in future learning.

“Skills accounts will put choice in the hands of the learners and allow them to take control of their learning and working lives. It is vital people are armed with information and advice that will enable them to make the right decisions to get into learning and work,” said Skills Minister Kevin Brennan.

“The information available through skills accounts mean learners will see just how committed Government is to delivering skills and see how much funding has been made available to support them.

“Piloting this service and asking for feedback means that we can adapt the website and its tools to best meet learners’ needs when they are made available next year.”

Chris Banks, chairman of the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), said: “Skills accounts are designed to empower all learners by providing access to the information and advice they need to need make the right choices about the skills they need to progress in life and work.

“During the trials the LSC is working closely with learners to ensure that the service is designed to meet their needs. The ambitious plans set out in Skills for Growth mean that in future all adults, including those who need new skills to find sustainable employment, will be able to access a personal skills account.”

The Skills for Growth strategy will treble the number of organisations offering places where skills accounts can be used to 1,500.

“Trebling the number of organisations where skills accounts can be used demonstrates a real commitment to putting learner’s needs at the heart of the skills system,” added Mr Banks.

(Pictured: LSC chairman Chris Banks)