2.0 Learner Application
2.1 Is the contact centre the only source of the application form?
No, learners can request an application pack online from the ILA Scotland website.
2.2 Why can’t we keep a supply of application forms?
To ensure consistency of information, help and guidance and, most importantly, for security reasons, access to the ILA Scotland application forms is strictly controlled and forms are only available from ILA Scotland.
2.3 What is the turnaround time for learner applications?
The turnaround time for applications is 2 working weeks from the date the application is received by ILA Scotland. The learner should receive their ILA Scotland account notification by the end of the two week period. Some delays have been experienced during peak periods such as August and September and we would encourage learners to open their account before the main enrolment periods, even if they haven’t yet decided what course they want to do.
2.4 When does the learner year start and finish?
The learner year is specific to each individual - it begins on the day the application is received by ILA Scotland and finishes on the 1st day of the same month, the following year.
2.5 Are there mechanisms for supporting learners in completing their application forms?
Yes, some of our partner organisations can provide guidance and practical assistance. Further information is available from the ILA Scotland learner helpline on 0808 100 1090.
2.6 Does the contact centre have provision for the hard of hearing?
Yes, text phone facilities are available.
2.7 Should learners be encouraged to apply early, in advance of our courses being available to book?
Yes, learners must have an ILA Scotland account set up before you can book a course for them on the ILA Scotland system. We will be encouraging all learners to apply as soon as possible for their ILA Scotland account so that they know the funding is there for them when they are ready to book a course You can choose to offer courses from any particular date that you wish. Some providers, for example colleges and universities, which have fixed start dates each term, may wish to offer courses eligible for ILA Scotland funding from later in the year to ensure learners have time to apply and set up their ILA Scotland accounts in good time, before booking on courses.
2.8 Some learners will not have a secure address to which the application can be sent. Can the application be sent to us instead?
Application forms will as a rule require to be sent directly to the learner. In specific cases, where vulnerable learners do not have secure addresses, suitable secure alternatives may be considered.
2.9 Can you clarify whether employees of small companies are eligible and if we should promote ILA Scotland through the employers?
Employees of smaller companies may be eligible, subject to standard scheme age, residence and income criteria. But it’s important to remember that the ILA Scotland scheme is intended for use by individuals to improve their skills. The focus is on learner choice. Whilst encouraging employers to make information about ILA Scotland available to their employees, employers must not coerce employees / learners into using their ILA Scotland funding to pay for core training required by the business. Any promotion by you, to employers, must support this general principle.
2.10 We operate courses for long-term patients in a state hospital. Would they be eligible for funding?
Yes, assuming they meet the income requirements.
2.11 Are individuals on other funded programmes prevented from participating in the scheme?
The ILA Scotland scheme will not support double-funding of individuals from different public funding sources to do the same training. However, if an ILA Scotland account holder in receipt of public funds for certain types of training, for example Modern Apprenticeships, wishes to use ILA Scotland funding for another type of learning which is eligible under ILA Scotland, they can do so.
2.12 Will there be application forms available to us so we can see what information people will be required to give so that we can help them fill in the form?
A sample application form, along with other communications materials, can be downloaded from the website.
2.13 Do learners have to re-apply each year?
From 30 April 2011 account renewal packs will no longer automatically be sent out towards the end of a learner year, instead we ask that if learners wish to renew their account they should contact us directly towards the end of their learner year. We will then in turn send out a renewal pack for them to complete and return.
If a learner year has expired they can still renew their accounts with us, but instead of a renewal pack being issued, the learner would receive a new application pack to complete and return.