Trials of a scheme
to improve access to information about training courses, and show
learners how much Government funding is available to them are so
far proving to be successful, a report out today has found.
An assessment of the pilot scheme found skills accounts had a
number of benefits, including encouraging people to take up and
complete courses.
Ninety-four per cent of people who responded to the recent user
survey think that skills accounts are a good idea and 80 per cent
of respondents said having a skills account would encourage them
to take part in future learning.
Skills accounts, which are currently being piloted by the
Government, will be rolled out in autumn 2010, and have been
assessed in a report published today. The report also shows that
this kind of support is benefitting learners by providing
information about courses and Government funding for training, and
access to information, advice and guidance.
The findings of the ongoing evaluations of skills accounts will
help the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS)
ensure skills accounts are rolled out successfully from autumn
2010. They form an important part of the skills strategy,
Skills for Growth, launched by ministers last month.
Skills Minister Kevin Brennan said:
“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.
“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, 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.
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.”
Skills accounts will help people assess their skills, interests
and qualifications, understand the level of funding available to
them, access detailed information about career options and choose
a suitable course. These online tools performed well in the
survey, showing that the Government is on the right track to
providing the kind of service that people want.
The Government’s Skills for Growth strategy takes plans
for skills accounts even further. The number of organisations
offering places where skills accounts can be used will treble to
1500, allowing students to shop around for training. This will be
backed by consistent information on which courses and colleges
will best meet individual needs.
Skills accounts will be available online from autumn 2010. Users
will be able to find out how much funding is available to support
their learning, access useful information, advice and guidance,
and build up a record of their achievements.
Notes to Editors
1. Skills accounts build on previously trialled Adult Learner
Accounts which were focused solely on Level three provision.
Trials of skills accounts have incorporated lessons learnt from
the evaluation of ALAs, which the LSC has also published today.
2. From autumn 2010, skills accounts will be rolled out,
supported by information, advice and guidance through the new
adult advancement and careers service. Skills accounts will give
people more choice of training courses, trebling the number of
providers where entitlements to Government funding support can be
used, and making publicly available consistent data on quality,
job prospects and course wage potential, as set out in Skills
for Growth: A National Skills Strategy.
Both reports can be viewed at www.lsc.gov.uk.
3. For media enquiries, call Joanna Fletcher in BIS press Office
on 020 7215 5951.
Department for Business, Innovation & Skills
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is
building a dynamic and competitive UK economy by: creating the
conditions for business success; promoting innovation, enterprise
and science; and giving everyone the skills and opportunities to
succeed. To achieve this it will foster world-class universities
and promote an open global economy. BIS - Investing in our future.
Contacts:
BIS Press Office
NDS.BIS@coi.gsi.gov.uk
Joanna Fletcher
Phone: 020 7215 5951
Joanna.Fletcher@bis.gsi.gov.uk