Research suggests that people with the highest education qualifications tend to earn more, proving that getting qualified really pays off. On average those educated to level 3 earn around 15 per cent more per hour, and those who progress into higher education can earn 45 per cent more per hour, compared to someone with a level 2 qualification.
The cost of education for adults can often be a barrier to learning but
it is a worthwhile investment. A new
initiative from the government is being launched that will help adult learners
at St Helens College with the cost of education.Adults aged 24 or older can apply for a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan, to help with the costs of studying on a course at St Helens College. The 24+ Advanced Learning Loans are student loans similar to higher education loans, but for individuals studying at level 3 or level 4. There is no restriction on the type of course you can apply for and qualifications include QCF Certificates and Diplomas, Access to HE, A-Levels and Advanced and Higher Apprenticeships.
Repayments of your loan will not start until April 2016 and you won’t have to pay anything back until you are earning over £21,000 a year. You can apply for a loan to meet the upfront costs of your qualification, which will be paid directly to the College on your behalf. If you decide not to take out a loan, you will be expected to meet the course costs yourself. If you get a loan to cover tuition fees for an Access to HE course and then complete a higher education course, you won’t have to repay the remaining loan for the access course.
Changes to the way adults are funded for college courses mean that even individuals over 24 who were previously entitled to free tuition will have to take out a loan for any level 3 course from September (this means that the old fee remission entitlement doesn’t apply).
Come along to one of our 24+ Advanced Learning Loan advice sessions:
Wednesday 8th May 4.30pm - 7pm
Wednesday 5th June 4.30pm - 7pm
Visit http://www.sthelens.ac.uk/24-advanced-learning-loans
for more information.
