2 May 2001

25,000 PEOPLE SIGN UP FOR INDIVIDUAL LEARNING ACCOUNTS - FARREN

"The fact that 25,000 people in Northern Ireland have opened Individual Learning Accounts (ILA) in just eight months, underlines the fact that more people are recognising the value of improving their skills and so enhancing their career prospects," Dr Sean Farren, Minister for Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment, said today.

The Minister was commenting on the announcement made today by David Blunkett, Secretary of State for Education and Employment, that the total number of Accounts opened across the United Kingdom had passed the one million mark.

Dr Farren said: "We have reached this landmark several months earlier than we had expected. More importantly, since the initiative was launched last September, over one-third of the account holders have signed up for courses ranging from IT to degree courses, at a saving of £1.5 million on course fees."

Mr Blunkett also announced today that Rodney Jones from Bangor, Co Down, was the two and a half millionth caller to the learndirect national free-phone learning information and advice help-line. Mr Jones, a retired civil servant, contacted the help-line looking for a course to further his interest in art and painting.

Dr Farren added: "The learndirect helpline can signpost everyone to the right course, whether their interest is work-related or recreational.

"The helpline, Individual Learning Accounts, and the growing network of local learndirect centres are helping to remove barriers to accessing learning to people of all ages – a central plank in the Programme for Government. They are helping us to promote a culture of lifelong learning and equip people for work."

"These are important milestones for the ILA initiative and for the helpline. I welcome the fact that Northern Ireland is sharing fully in their success," he said.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Individual Learning Accounts provide discounts off the cost of a wide range of part-time courses. These can amount to as much as £150 for the first 20,000 people in Northern Ireland who are first time Account users, after which a 20% discount will apply. Those taking certain computer courses can qualify for up to 80% discount.

The learndirect free-phone service (0800 100 900) helps learners choose from over 12, 000 education and training courses in Northern Ireland and over half a million throughout the UK. 15,000 Northern Ireland callers have used the service since its launch in 1998. Last year an enhanced service was launched for Northern Ireland callers in conjunction with the Educational Service for Adults.

For further information contact Anne Morrow, Press Office, Department of Higher and Further Education at Tel: (028) 9025 7831.