Government announces fully-funded learning

An expansion of post-18 education and training in England has been announced, offering fully-funded college courses to those without A-Level or equivalent qualifications.

The Lifetime Skills Guarantee will give adults the chance to further their education with free college courses providing them with skills valued by employers, and the opportunity to study at a time and location that suits them. 

This offer will be available from April 2021, and will be paid for through the National Skills Fund. A full list of available courses has yet to be released although it is thought that courses in beauty and hair may be available.

In addition, a new entitlement to flexible educational loans has been announced to allow courses to be taken in segments, and learners to space out their study across their lifetimes. 

The government will also encourage more small and medium sized businesses to take on apprentices and offer greater flexibility in how training is structured.