ILA Scotland Latest News and Events
May 2009
Did you know?
Did you know that 106,000 people living in Scotland have already opened a learning account?
With more than 330 learning providers currently offering over 19,000 courses in subjects ranging from accountancy to forklift truck driving and nail care to conversational Spanish, there’s so much to choose from.
For many people, ILA Scotland funding has been just the incentive they’ve needed to get back into learning – so far, more than 90,000 courses have been booked using their accounts.
If you want to find out more about what’s available or how to apply for an account, why not give us a call on 0808 100 1090. Our helpline advisers will be happy to help you.
ILA Scotland is changing
There's never been a better time to get back into learning or brush up on your skills.
Scottish Government has just announced changes to the ILA Scotland scheme from summer 2009 that will help more people access ILA Scotland funding and offer an even greater range of courses to choose from.
The changes, which will be effective from summer 2009, will mean:
More people can access funding - we’ve increased the income threshold from £18,000 to £22,000 so, if your personal income is £22,000 a year or less, you can access ILA Scotland funding towards eligible courses.
More courses to choose from - for academic year 2009-10 only, we have widened the range of courses eligible for ILA500 funding to include part-time taught postgraduate courses at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) level 11.
More flexibility - if you choose any ILA500 funded course (such as an HNC, HND or a degree), the level of part-time study you need to undertake has been reduced from 50% of a full-time course to 40 SCQF credits.
If you want to find out more about the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework and SCQF credits, visit their website at www.scqf.org.uk/ or call our helpline free on 0808 100 1090.
Removal of £10 minimum personal contribution
People who plan on using their ILA Scotland learner accounts to help pay for learning received a boost.
Previously, learners had to contribute a minimum of £10 towards the cost of their courses when using their ILA Scotland funding. This is no longer the case thanks to a change of Scottish Government regulations which came into effect on 1st January 2009.
It’s hoped that by removing the minimum payment, more people will sign up for an ILA Scotland account and get involved in learning.
We were able to implement the removal of this requirement early and as such, any bookings made on or after Wednesday 17th December 2008 will no longer require a minimum personal contribution of £10 from the learner.
2008
Skills Development Scotland
ILA Scotland is part of Skills Development Scotland, Scotland’s new skills body. This organisation brings together four partner organisations, with a shared vision, to drive forward real, positive and sustained change in Scotland’s skills performance.
The partner organisations which form Skills Development Scotland are:
- Careers Scotland;
- Scottish University for Industry (i.e. learndirect scotland; learndirect scotland for business; ILA Scotland and the big plus)
- key skills elements in Scottish Enterprise; and
- key skills elements in Highlands and Islands Enterprise,
For more information about Skills Development Scotland please go to the Skills Development Scotland website www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk