ALG is a weekly grant designed to help adults studying full-time with the costs of learning. The grant pays up to £30 per week for full time learners aged 19 and over who are studying for their first full level two or level three, which is equivalent to 5 GCSEs or 2 A levels.
Developed as part of a new Government initiative to improve the levels of both vocational and academic skills in the UK, ALG is intended to be a helping hand for adults who want to gain more skills, but have certain financial worries.
Following the challenge set for the UK to become world leader in all levels of skills, the Government intends to make the UK population fully aware of the learning and training opportunities available to them.
Chris Roberts, Regional Director, LSC North East, said: "We have found that many people feel held back in their careers by a lack of skills, but often financial problems stopped them from learning these skills. In our pilot areas, Northumberland, County Durham, Tyne and Wear and Tees Valley, ALG has already started to help people cross this barrier with 1,264 people already receiving the grant. It has also been heartening to see that people who have been involved in the pilots have applied for courses that teach job-related skills that will help them progress in their careers." The pilot campaign has been a proven success in improving retention, with 93 per cent of ALG learners completing their courses (above the average of 85 per cent). With an average lifetime salary difference of £185,817 between someone with a Level 2 and Level 3 qualification, it is evident that staying on to finish a course and acquire news skills can make a significant difference.
Skills Minister Phil Hope said:
"This Government's sweeping reforms to raise skills and improve people's life chances mean that the Government will support low-income learners to ensure that they are not prevented from participating in learning and training. The Adult Learning Grant is now being extended to full national coverage from this September to help people meet the additional costs of learning.
"ALG will now complement the entitlement to free tuition for young adults aged 19-25 undertaking first level 2 or 3 qualifications - equivalent to 5 good GCSEs or 2 A levels. We will ensure everyone has the skills they need for employability and that employers get the skilled people they need for better productivity and the competitiveness of the nation".
Chris Roberts added:
"ALG offers learners a helping hand to get back into education, without having to worry about financial problems. It can be used to help with anything from the cost of books and materials through to childcare costs."
With a continued skills shortage in the UK 4, ALG will be just one of the new tools available from the LSC that will help generate better career related qualifications which could contribute to a stronger economy for all.
To find out about eligibility, potential ALG candidates should visit Student Services at their local college, call 0800 100 900 or visit the website www.direct.gov.uk/alg
