Funding

Business To Business (B2B) Ltd endeavours to provide information, advice and guidance on funding streams that support work based learning and adult education. The following gives a brief description of what is currently available, however as the situation changes frequently, we are not able to guarantee the absolute accuracy of the content.

Adult Learning Support Funding

Who can benefit from the training?

Adult learning support funding works to further the skills of all kinds of people, including:

• contracted employees (full and part-time)
• self-employed people
• volunteers (who are contracted to deliver a service)
• employment agency workers

First full Level 2 qualification (equivalent to 5 good GCSEs)

For employees who don’t already have a full Level 2 qualification.

The potential learner must:

• Be a resident of the UK or EU
• Hold official residency status (i.e. 3 years in the UK)
• Not have a level two or equivalent qualification already (this includes qualifications gained from other countries)
• Be contracted
• Work in an organisation with less than 249 employees
• Aged 18 to 59

What qualifications:

• Level 2 Certificate in Business and Administration
• Level 2 Certificate in Customer Service
• Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Adults) for England
• Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young Person's Workforce
• Level 2 Certificate in Team Leading
• Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
• Level 2 Certificate in Healthcare Support Services

What geographical areas are covered by this:

• Berkshire
• Gloucestershire
• Hampshire
• Oxfordshire
• Somerset
• Surrey
• Wiltshire
• South West London
• South East London

Apprenticeships

These can be 100% funded Apprenticeships for all those who can demonstrate that they fit certain criteria. The qualifications involved in these are written by sector specific bodies. This ensures learners improve their skills and knowledge in the context of their sector, organisation and job role. The qualifications are well respected and can help your business retain vital staff and avoid skills shortages.

We offer apprenticeships in:

• Health & Social Care
• Children’s Care Learning and Development
• Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
• Contact Centre (Call Centres)
• Business and Administration
• Customer Service

Professional and Career Development Loans

You may also be eligible for a Professional and Career Development Loan. These are bank loans of between £300 and £10,000 to help you pay for the cost of learning that enhances your job skills or career prospects.

Institute for Learning (IfL)

IfL is responsible for administering grants to offset the cost of initial teacher training (ITT) on behalf of the department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). The grants are for teachers who are studying a part-time, 'in-service', Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS). Further education (FE) providers will be able to claim a flat rate, non means tested, grant of £400 per individual teacher or trainer through IfL for those who are IfL members. The current agreement is valid only for the 2010-11 financial year.

Skills for Care

There is funding available to support specific areas of training and development through the Training Strategy Implementation (TSI) funding is available on an annual basis to support employers, micro employers and micro providers with workforce development. The funds are a contribution to the cost of learning and assessment and are drawn through local employer led partnerships. Skills for Care can contribute £80 per NVQ unit or per Induction claimed and £160 per Assessor award. The total amount of funding is limited and so it may not be possible to meet the full amounts requested

Other funding

Tuition fees aren't the only costs you'll have to consider when planning to take a training course. Even if your tuition is paid for there may be other costs, such as examination fees, course registration fees, travel and childcare. You may be able to get help with these from the following sources:

• The adult learning grant. This is a grant of up to £30 a week for full-time learners in England who are aged 19 and over and who are studying for a first full level 2 qualification. It's available through the Skills Funding Agency