8. The Next Step
You won’t be on your own when you start applying for
financial support for your learning. There are all sorts of
organisations to make sure you don’t miss out on any
available funding.
Why not try:
- learndirect. It’s a great place to start if you want more
information about learning, courses or funding. The
national helpline is free and confidential and the lines
are open 8am - 10pm seven days a week. It’s a good
source of information and advice about everything to do
with learning, education and careers. They can even
give you information about childcare provision. For more information call
0800 100 900 or access the website at
www.learndirect-advice.co.uk.
- Your local Adult Information Advice and Guidance (IAG)
Partnership. They can give you information and advice
about courses of study as well as helping you sort out
how to pay for your learning. Phone learndirect on
0800 100 900.
- Your Jobcentre. Talk to a personal adviser to find out
about the financial help that’s available under New Deal
or Work-based Learning for Adults programmes. Your
Jobcentre will be listed in your telephone directory
under Employment Service.
- Citizen’s Advice Bureaux. An adviser will be able to give
you lots of information and advice about courses and
funding. Your local branch will be listed in your
telephone directory.
- Your local library. The reference section should have
plenty of information about learning providers and other
agencies in the area where you live.
- Don’t forget that different options may be available in
different regions. It’s always worth talking to local
colleges and training organisations to check what’s on
offer in your area.
- The student awards or welfare officer at your chosen
college. If you’re thinking of applying to a further
education college - or if you’ve already enrolled on a
course - they’ll be able to tell you whether you qualify
for help from Access and Childcare Support Funds - and
they’ll know about other funding for costs such as travel.
- Your learning/training provider. Talk to them about
exactly what costs you’ll have to meet. They may also
be able to point you in the direction of the appropriate
funding scheme.
- If you’re thinking of studying in Higher Education,
contact your Local Education Authority to find out what
financial help you are entitled to. Leaflets are also
available by phoning free on
0800 731 9133 or via the website
www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupport.
The basic guide for all students is called Financial help for higher
education students.
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