7 August 2001

"INDIVIDUAL LEARNING ACCOUNTS – A YEAR OF SUCCESS" - FARREN

Minister for Employment and Learning, Dr Sean Farren, has hailed the success of the new Individual Learning Accounts (ILA’s).

Looking back over almost a year since they were introduced last September, the Minister said: "We have reached our initial target of 20,000 Northern Ireland people using their Account for the first time, and have done so over six months ahead of expectations. This means that the launch phase of the initiative is now over and it has become an established part of the help available for people to get back into education and training.

"While the special introductory offer of £150 for new Account users will end from 17 August, the scheme will still provide valuable financial help toward the cost of a wide range of part-time courses. Account holders can get 20% off the cost of most courses up to £100, and 80% up to £200 for the most popular computer training courses.

"In a recent survey of the first Account users, over 90% said they found their ILA card easy to use, and that their learning expectations had been met or exceeded, and would consider using it again for future learning. Most of these were people in their 30’s and 40’s, many of whom had little or no recent learning experience. I am particularly pleased that one in six had no previous formal qualifications.

"Over the next few weeks many people will be thinking about what education or training courses they may take during the autumn and winter. Individual Learning Accounts are there to help make their learning more accessible and affordable."

Anyone wishing to get an Individual Learning Account for the first time can contact the ILA Centre on 0800 072 1888.

The learndirect information and advice help-line, 0800 100 900, will provide free and impartial advice on choosing from over 10,000 courses offered by nearly 300 Northern Ireland providers.

Calls to both services are free.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Media enquiries to Kevin Mulhern, Press Office, telephone 028 9025 7790 or mobile 07799 711523.