Monday, 08 February 2010 13:22

Adult learners in Durham granted a chance in sport

Written by Andrea Stephenson

Student John Paul Howarth, 24 has entered the world of sport.with a little help from the Learning and Skills Council.
He took up the offer of an Adult Learning Grant (ALG). The £30 a week is available to people over 19 who go back into learning and training. The money helps with extra costs ranging from travel and books to childcare.

For former soldier, it means a chance to study Sport Performance & Excellence at Bishop Auckland College and lead the way to becoming a PE teacher.

John said : “I have done a few temporary jobs since leaving the Army but my main passion is sport. This grant goes a long way to helping out with travel costs. Without it there is no way I would have been able to do my Level 3 Sport course. I am really enjoying it and hope to be a teacher one day.

Since the national roll out of ALG in September 2007, more than 72,000 people have benefited from the grant.

Chris Roberts, Regional Director, Learning and Skills Council, said:

“Whatever you want to do, having the right qualifications can give you a real head start. People who go back to learning later in life often find that they’re more focused and determined than they were the first time around, and tend to have a clearer idea of what they want to study.

“However, costs for things like books, materials, transport and childcare can discourage them from taking that first step. The Adult Learning Grant, of up to £30 a week, is a great way of making learning more affordable and helps people focus on getting where they want to be in life.”

To find out if you could be eligible for the Adult Learning Grant, visit www.direct.gov.uk/alg or call the learner entitlement support line on 0800 121 8989
Last modified on Monday, 08 February 2010 13:27

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