ILA Scotland Provider News
September 2008
Online application requests
Since we launched the ILA Scotland online application request in June it has proved highly popular with learners across Scotland, with over 70% of applications now requested online.
This is great news but it does mean that applicants don’t get the same level of support as they would by calling our helpline where our advisers can explain about the two levels of funding and talk to the applicant about which type of account is best for the course they are taking. Despite explanatory on-screen notes we still find that people apply for the wrong type of account, many perhaps being attracted by the higher level of funding.
Applying for the wrong type of account leads to delays and can mean people miss out on getting their account opened in time to start their course.
To avoid this as far as possible, we’d like to ask for your help. If you have any learners who are interested in applying for ILA Scotland funding we would appreciate if you could advise them on which account is right for them. This will not only make sure that the learner receives the correct application pack, it speeds up the process and gives learners the best chance of getting their funding in place before the course begins so they don’t miss out on any learning opportunities.
If you would like to find out more information on the two types of accounts available from ILA Scotland visit our homepage and select £200 or £500.
August 2008
Did you know that learners can now request an ILA Scotland application online?
ILA Scotland has made it even easier to apply for a learner account by developing an online application request facility.
The introduction of the online application has proven hugely popular with many learners across Scotland now applying online.
Research informed us that many learners lack the confidence to speak with an adviser over the phone and some simply don't have the time to make the call to the helpline. Now they no longer need to rely on calling the helpline learners can go online anytime to request their application pack.
This new online development could also benefit learners with accessibility issues as you can now help them with the first stage of their application.
To access our online application request form please click here.
ILA100 reminder
Please remember that from 30th September 2008 existing £100 account holders will no longer be able to book courses.
We have written to everyone with a £100 account to inform them of the changes so that they can book a course and take advantage of the funding before the cut off date.
We understand that this will be a disappointment to a lot of learners and providers however if you have any courses which are eligible for the £100 scheme you may want to take this opportunity to encourage learners to book a course before the 30th September and use the funding available to them.
If you have any questions about the removal of the £100 scheme or any other changes to the ILA Scotland scheme please contact the learning information services team on 0141 285 6100 or infoservices@learndirectscotland.com.
Changes to the ILA Scotland scheme announced
Fiona Hyslop, Education and Lifelong Learning Secretary today announced a variety of changes to the ILA Scotland scheme.
The refresh is designed to make the scheme more effective and help us to deliver support to those who need it most. The changes will also ensure that ILA Scotland is well placed to support individual and workforce development, principal aims of the recently published Skills Strategy.
The key changes for the scheme, aimed at targeting those who don’t readily access education, include:
- Opening the scheme to 16 and 17 year olds for the first time
- Removing the requirement for a minimum personal contribution
- Widening course eligibility to include work-related courses
- Tightening course eligibility by removing postgraduate courses
- Withdrawing the £100 scheme
- Amending the eligibility criteria to restrict access to funding for pensioners not on low incomes
A copy of the full press release is available here.
We expect these changes to be in place for autumn enrolment although it is likely to be January 2009 before the minimum personal contribution is removed. We will keep you up-to-date on progress during the coming months.
The changes follow extensive stakeholder and learner feedback on how the scheme is working. The latest research report, "Individual Learning Accounts Scotland – Learners Study" was published today and the full report can be viewed on the Scottish Government website. A summary report is also available to view here.
May 2008
Extended booking date
Hopefully you will already be aware of the up coming changes to the ILA Scotland scheme
These changes include making the scheme available to 16 and 17 year olds, providing funding for part-time higher education courses and removing the £100 funding offer for learners on an income of more than £18,000 a year.
The £100 scheme closes on 30 June 2008, although existing account holders can book a course up to 30 September 2008.
We have started to write to everyone with a £100 account to inform them of the changes to the scheme so you may receive some enquiries from learners who have questions about this.
ILA Scotland will continue helping people with an income of £18,000 a year or less, or who are on benefits, by offering up to £200 a year towards a wide range of courses.
To find out more please contact your learning information specialist.
Provider contact
The ILA Scotland marketing team are always looking to communicate more effectively with our learning providers to offer you the best service possible, help promote the scheme and keep you up to date with any changes.
Our provider e zine is an effective way of providing you with relevant and up to date information, but only if it goes to the correct individuals.
If you think that others would benefit from the provider e zine then please forward the e zine on or drop us an e – mail at marketing@ilascotland.org.uk with their contact details and we’ll make sure they get sent the next one.
March 2008
New ILA Scotland online campaign
We have recently developed a new online campaign to promote ILA Scotland and encourage people to visit the website.
The advert which is based around the Monopoly theme can be viewed on s1jobs.com, stv.tv and the thesun.co.uk and will be running throughout March.
ILA Scotland marketing manager Allison Skilling said:
“The new campaign is really eye catching and encourages people to interact with the online banners. These then direct people to the ILA Scotland website where they can find out more about the funding available.”
Did you know?
Have you ever wondered how many people benefit from ILA Scotland funding?
As at 29th February 2008 98,820 people living in Scotland had already opened an individual learning account. And, with more than 51,589 courses booked using ILA Scotland funding, that’s a lot of revenue potential for your organisation.
With 16,233 courses available from providers across the country, learners have a wide choice available to them. But remember that for learners to be able to choose your courses, you need to have them shown on the ILA Scotland database.
If you need any help or advice about which of your courses would be eligible for ILA Scotland funding, or how to submit your courses for approval, just give us a call on 0141 285 6104 and we’ll be happy to help you.