Frequently Asked Questions
Adult Learner Accounts – Putting You First
What is an Adult Learner Account?
It’s a new way to plan your learning. Opening an Account will give you:
· access to high quality free independent advice – so that you are able to make the right choice about what and where to study
· an information pack containing information on a wide range of providers and courses
· a statement which includes details of the qualifications you will be studying towards plus full details of the costs of the programme
· ongoing support and advice to help you progress
Why make the step up to Level 3?
Evidence shows that those who achieve a Level 3 qualification – the equivalent of 2 A levels – earn more than those who don’t.
Do I have to pay to open an Adult Learner Account?
No. Adult Learner Accounts are free to open.
Why has the Adult Learner Accounts trial come about?
We want to demonstrate to learners the full value of their learning, the contributions made by them, the LSC and the additional elements that learners are often unaware of. The expectation is that once learners have an understanding of the full value of the investment being made in their programme they will be more committed to it and more likely to complete the programme and be successful.
What is the purpose of an Adult Learner Account?
An Adult Learner Account is the mechanism that will provide information to you about the full value of your learning programme.
What is the benefit to me of opening an Adult Learner Account?
It will provide you with Information, Advice and Guidance to ensure that the provider and the programme you are considering is the right one for you and that it will meet your aspirations. It will also help you to develop an action plan and provides access to further advice during and at the end of your programme, to review further learning options and to better understand the employment opportunities that are opening up for you. You will also receive full information about the costs of the learning programme and how these have been provided for.
How do I register for an Adult Learner Account?
Call FREE on 0800 092 0229 to register your interest. You will be offered independent Information and Advice by either learndirect or nextstep.
What will learndirect be able to do for me?
learndirect will provide advice and guidance to you about the learning opportunities available, what you can expect and the benefits of obtaining Level 3 qualifications and the careers and employment opportunities this opens up.
What will my nextstep service be able to do for me?
nextstep provide a similar service to learndirect but offer a locally based face to face service. nextstep have more local knowledge about employment opportunities and learning opportunities.
Why have the East Midlands and the South East been selected for the trial?
Trial areas were selected to reflect different needs and environments to test the Adult Learner Accounts as widely as possible. The trials are being offered in specific areas in each region not ‘across the board’.
When will Adult Learner Accounts be rolled out to other regions?
Depending on policy decisions, costs and benefits demonstrated from the trials, Adult Learner Accounts may be applied across England.
How much is this trial costing the tax payer?
There is some investment in the project to develop the systems, the understanding of Adult Learner Accounts and to evaluate the trials. It is hoped that the return on this investment will be realised through increases in the number of learners successfully completing programmes. This will mean that the money we have invested in their learning is bringing about the required outcomes.
What happens once I’ve registered?
A holding account is created on the Learner Account Management System (LAMS). You will receive an Information Pack about Adult Learner Accounts and how they will operate. When you enrol on your full Level 3 programme with a college or learning provider who is participating in the trial they will activate your Adult Learner Account.
What is a full Level 3 Qualification?
A full Level 3 qualification is equivalent to an NVQ 3, two A levels, a BTEC National Diploma, or an Access to Higher Education course.
When will I get my Information Pack?
You should receive your Information Pack by post shortly after registering.
What will I get in my Information Pack?
The Learner Account Management System (LAMS) will issue a personal letter to you advising you of your Adult Learner Account number. You can use this to help the college or learning provider activate your Adult Learner Account. They can also do this by matching your details; name, address, date of birth, if you don’t have your Adult Learner Account number with you.
The information pack will also contain information about Adult Learning Grants and a list of courses and providers that are participating in the trial in your area.
What will my statements contain?
The statement will include the full details about the costs of your learning programme including:
· you or your employers contributions to fees
· the investment from the LSC (usually about 63% of the full cost though this can be greater depending on your circumstances and the programme being followed)
· any amounts the college or learning provider has made in terms of fees waived
· any additional support you have received
· any additional learning support to help you overcome any difficulties and successfully complete the programme.
How often will I receive a statement?
Statements will be received at regular intervals during your programme. You can also request a statement at any time by asking the college or learning provider for one. They should let you know how to do this when you start the programme as part of your induction. Remember this is a “statement” not a bill.
When will I receive my first statement?
Shortly after you have enrolled on a programme. The college or learning provider need to enter the appropriate details and amounts for you and your programme.
How do I activate my account?
Your Adult Learner Account will be activated by the college or learning provider when you enrol on an appropriate learning programme.
Is there any other way of registering other than by phone?
Yes, you can register interest at a local nextstep centre or directly with a college or learning provider who is participating in the trial.
Contact details for your local nextstep centre can be found on this site under ‘nextstep centres’
A provisional list of colleges and learning providers will be available on the Adult Learner Account website from Friday 6th July 2007.
What is the difference between an Adult Learner Account and an Adult Learning Grant?
An Adult Learning Grant (ALG) offers up to £30 a week* to people aged 19 or over while they’re studying for a BTEC, NVQ, GCSE, A level or any other equivalent. People need to be studying for at least 12 hours a week and it should be their first full Level 2 or 3 qualification.
The ALG is to help with things like travel, books and materials and even if people are working part-time or living at home, they might still be entitled to ALG.
To find out more call 0800 100 900 or log onto www.direct.gov.uk/alg
(*Terms and conditions apply)
Are Apprenticeships included in the trials?
Adult Learner Accounts are an offer to individuals and do not include Apprenticeships as these are a service to employers.
