Training 'hit by funding withdrawal'

By Nikki Barrister

Adults looking to change career or retrain are being hit by government moves to withdraw funding from universities, it has been revealed.

The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education has pointed out that the government's decision to refuse funding to students with equal and lower qualifications (ELQ), which was made in September 2007, is now starting to affect tertiary education.

Alan Tuckett, chief executive at the group, commented that the situation highlights a need for a coherent policy for lifelong learning that takes account of the different needs and aspirations of adults across their lifespan.

"The ELQ decision hits anyone needing to change direction in mid-career, if that change involves re-skilling," he added.

Mr Tuckett went on to say the move goes against the aspirations of the government's informal adult learning policies.

In September 2007, the Higher Education Funding Council for England stated that it would be withdrawing funding for those studying for a qualification equivalent to, or lower than, a qualification that they have already been awarded at the request of the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.

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Filed: 01-04-2009