1. Getting Started Are you: aged 19 or over? living in England? thinking about improving your skills or getting a qualification? wanting to know what financial help is out there? If so, this booklet is for you! Perhaps you’re thinking about getting a qualification for the first time - you might have decided to improve your basic skills like reading and writing. Or perhaps you’re planning to return to learning after a period out of work or after being at home bringing up a family. Maybe you’ve decided to go for a career change and you need a new qualification to get you where you want to be. Whatever your situation, if you’re an adult thinking about any type of learning, this booklet aims to tell you everything you need to know about how to get financial support while you’re studying. There are many reasons for getting into learning and boosting your skills. You’ll increase your chances of getting the job you want, improve your job satisfaction - and boost your earning power. You’ll also increase your confidence and meet new people. These days, no-one can afford to lose out in the skills stakes. The world of work is changing faster than ever before and lifelong learning is all about keeping up with new developments. "I can now write my own letters, leave notes at work and - for the first time in my life at 38 - I’ve read a book which I thoroughly enjoyed.... There’s no stopping me now!" Margarita McKail, Norwich Adult Learners’ Week Award Winner, 2001

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