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ALG helps thrill-seeker find dream career
An intrepid thrill-seeker who ditched her nine to five office job to ‘find herself’on a round the world adventure is now on track for a dream career in counselling, with help from an Adult Learning Grant (ALG).
Kim Mitchell and her husband Richard sold their Lancaster home to fund a oncein-a-lifetime trip across the globe, which saw them take in the exotic sights of South America, New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, Cambodia and India.
Her year out made Kim realise she was destined for a career counselling young adults. In September, the 26-year-old is due to start a counselling degree at The University of Cumbria –after completing her Access Course at Lancaster and Morecambe College with financial support from ALG.
As the Adult Learning Grant today celebrates its one year anniversary since national roll-out in 2007, figures show that the scheme has soared to success over the past 12 months, providing financial support to a 3,820 adult learners in the North West since the scheme began1. ALG pays up to £30 per week for full time learners aged 19 and over who are studying for their first level 2 or 3 qualification (equivalent to five good GCSEs or two good A Levels).
Kim said: “My old job was quite bureaucratic and I was ready for a change. Getting the ALG took some of the pressure off me financially and I would definitely encourage other adults thinking of returning to college to apply for the grant.”
Kim, who lives in Lancaster, added: “Travelling has always been a passion of mine, and it just felt right to take some time out and think about my future. I’ve always been interested in counselling, and strongly believe it can be a good alternative to taking anti depressants. I would love to get into the field of person centred therapy to work with young adults, and also families.
“Getting some extra cash from the ALG helped to pay for stationary, text books and also my travel costs to and from college. My old job was well paid but sitting at a desk all day wasn’t really for me and I felt I’d taken it as far as I could. I’m very excited about going to university and what the future will hold.”
Janet Jackson, Partnership Director for the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) in the North West, said: “Kim’s story shows the difference an Adult Learning Grant can make to a learner’s studies. The grant is a chance for people across the region to learn new skills and improve their chance of getting the job that’s right for them. A lot of people want to continue their education but worry about how they will make ends meet. Up to £30 a week can really make the difference when it comes to buying course materials or even putting it towards travel expenses. To find out if you’re eligible for the grant visit the www.direct.gov.uk/alg or call 0800 100 900.”
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 learn more skills, but have certain financial worries.
Sheila Henderson, Programme Area Manager for Access courses at Lancaster and Morecambe College said: “The Access course is an excellent route back into education for anyone who has not achieved the traditional A level qualifications but has always wanted to progress onto Higher Education. It’s a valuable 'stepping stone' which transforms and motivates students to achieve the goals to which they have always aspired.
“The ALG is very useful for the students who may need extra support to cover travel expenses, child care or money for text books. It can often be a valuable addition to their income at a time when they want to concentrate on their studies.”
If you are thinking about going back to college this year it’s time to start looking at your options. ALG could help you – to find out if you are eligible visit www.direct.gov.uk/alg or call 0800 100 900 today.
