Distance learning used to be free. Why are there now charges and why do they vary from provider to provider?
The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) sets colleges targets for generating fee incomes and believes that employers should make a contribution for training received by their staff. Providers decide on their own fee structure depending on local conditions, demand for the training, etc. Tribal Learning and Publishing will act on your behalf to try to negotiate a consistent fee with providers servicing your training needs.
Will all my staff be able to study though distance learning and will they get enough support?
Distance learning does not suit all learners, but it does suit more than you might think. Tribal Learning and Publishing courses are specifically designed to be engaging and accessible. In addition, many providers ask learners to do a case study before they start the course to check suitability for this way of learning. Regular tutor support is provided, by telephone or e-mail, and in many organisations employees support each other through their training, helping to create a 'learning organisation'.
As many of my staff work shifts it will be difficult for them to attend college at a fixed time each week and also difficult for them to get together at the same time. What shall I do?
There is no need for you or your staff to go near the training provider as they will come to you. For certificate and award courses, the training provider will need to gather staff together for an induction session at the work site. For NVQs, the provider will make an appointment with the individual learner every time they need to see them.
Some of my staff are eligible for free NVQs through the Train to Gain initiative, others are not. Why is this?
The government's priority is to develop the UK workforce by supporting everyone who needs it, to achieve an NVQ Level 2 or equivalent. Training providers are given funding to provide this training. They may also have additional sources of funding to provide NVQs. However, in many cases providers ask for a fee towards the cost of NVQ delivery for those people who have already achieved NVQ Level 2 standard and do not qualify for funding through the Train to Gain initiative. These fees are still a fraction of the actual cost, and represent good value for money in most cases.
How long do the courses take?
This varies depending upon which courses you sign up for. Certificates and awards usually take between twelve and sixteen weeks, with learners working through workbooks and assessments that they return to the college for marking upon completion. NVQs involve work-based observation, in addition to assessing knowledge and understanding, and time taken will vary from learner to learner. On average, providers allocate up to six months for an NVQ at Level 2, and nine months for an NVQ at Level 3.
Which courses does the Learning and Skills Council provide funding for?
The LSC determines which courses colleges and training providers can and cannot deliver. There are restrictions on certain courses, such as First Aid and Health and Safety, which the LSC defines as mandatory training that employers should pay for. However, the courses offered by colleges and training providers can vary widely. To find out what is available in your local area, contact Tribal Learning and Publishing.
Who is eligible?
To access LSC funding, candidates must fulfil certain eligibility criteria. For all Tribal Learning and Publishing programmes, candidates must be aged eighteen or over and must have resided in the EU for three years or more, have UK citizenship, or be seeking political asylum.
For Train to Gain eligibility, learners must not hold a full Level 2 qualification, four GCSEs or equivalent.
What do I do next?
To discuss your training needs, please contact the employer engagement team on 01904 550110. Alternatively, register your interest by completeing the form at the top of the page and we will be in touch with you.