Help with Funding for Training Courses
Many individuals know which training courses will kick start their careers - but cannot afford the fees in the short term. This is particularly true for those who have recently been made redundant.
There's no magic wand but there are possibilities worth exploring.
Professional and Career Development Loans
These are bank loans where the The Young People’s Learning Agency pays the interest on the loan while you’re studying – and for one month afterwards. You make an agreement with a participating bank to borrow an amount between £300 and £10,000. Then once you’ve stopped studying, you pay it back in the normal way.
Full details of the sceme and how to apply can be found at the Directgov website.
Many different types of training can be financed by these loans but the training provider must be registered under the scheme. Focus is able to provide PRINCE2 training under the scheme.
Job Centre Plus
If you're unemployed then talk to your Job Centre Plus about training which you can demonstrate will enhance your prospects of finding a job.
Job Centres have helped many professionals with courses such as PRINCE2 though it is clear that funding and policies vary significantly across the country. There is often more flexibility where there is a special response to a major redundancy.
Courses are normally paid for directly by Job Centre Plus.
Regional Redundancy Support Schemes
In addition to support from Job Centres there are a number of schemes operating regionally which give specific help to those under threat of, or recently made redundant. These include:
- England - Various regional schemes under the heading "Response to Redundancy"
- Wales >>ReACT
- Scotland >>PACE
Enhanced Learning Credits
If you are in the armed forces you can register in your first year to join the Enhanced Learning Credits scheme. After 4 years service you can receive training support of up to 80%. Focus can provide popular certification courses such as PRINCE2 and ITIL under this scheme.
