This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Nicol Stephen Says ILAs Will Help Build A Learning Nation
10/05/2000
All Scots aged 18 and over will soon be able to access a wide range of learning opportunities under new measures to cut the cost of education and training courses, Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning, Nicol Stephen, announced today.
Mr Stephen told the Scottish Parliament's Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee that government incentives and discounts on courses would be available through Individual Learning Accounts (ILAs) when they are launched this Autumn.
He also announced special help would be given to improve IT literacy and adult basic education levels by offering 80 per cent discounts for courses covering these areas. Mr Stephen said:
"Individual Learning Accounts are a key part of the Scottish Executive's drive to build a learning nation where people of all backgrounds can invest in their own learning throughout their lifetime.
"Proposals we are putting before Parliament will entitle the first 100,000 account holders to £150 of government money for a wide range of courses. Grants will be triggered by a personal contribution of £25.
"Thereafter learners will be entitled to discounts of 20% (with a maximum discount of £100 per year) on eligible learning.
'We want to encourage those who think learning is not for them to make the most of what is now available. So most types of learning will attract ILA funding. But ILAs will not fund statutory training which should be provided by employers, or recreational activities like flying or golf lessons. Nor are they designed to fund full-time higher education courses.'
"This is our investment in Scotland's future. It is important that employers and employees also see the value and importance of learning to an effective and successful economy. Lifelong learning is the currency of the 21 st century. We must make sure we spend it well."
BACKGROUND
The Education and Training (Scotland) Bill to provide the necessary powers to implement ILAs is being considered by the ELL Committee. It was introduced to the Scottish Parliament on 28 April.
It will be for employers to decide, on a voluntary basis, if they wish to contribute to the costs of their employees learning. The Chancellor announced last year that there would be tax breaks for any such contributions.
The £150 and 20% discount will be available for most forms of learning except the following:
- learning which is a statutory requirement for the individual's particular employment;
- full-time school courses;courses given as a reward or inducement by an employer
- full-time higher education courses;
- lessons towards attaining driving licence category A or B;
- diving lessons (scuba, deep sea and high board);
- private flying lessons (including fixed wing, rotary and paragliding);
- outward bound type courses; and
- leisure or sporting activities (unless they lead to level 2 qualifications).
4. Those courses eligible for the higher 80% discount will include:
- European Computer Driving Licence ;
- SVQ Level 1 "Using Information Technology";
- "Computers for the Terrified";
- RSA Computer Literacy and Information Technology Stage 1;
- SQA Standard Grade English, Mathematics, and Computing Studies;
- SQA National Units and courses in English and Communication, Mathematics, and Computing all to Intermediate 1 level;
- SQA National Core Skill Units up to level 1 in Communication, Numeracy and Information Technology; and
- other qualifications in the above subjects at the same level which are awarded by recognised awarding bodies.
6. Mr Stephen also told the Committee that ILAs could be used to meet the costs of course registration, assessment fees, qualifications, and exams or the provision of professional advice and guidance.