Finance Options
We have some suggestions for those of you who are seeking funding to cover the cost of training you may be considering with Able Skills.
Able Skills is neither able to advise on finance related matters (other than our own payment scheme) nor recommend any particular financial option to take. If you decide to use any of these facilities, you should be clear that Able Skills has no connection with any decision that is made or any financial arrangements which are put into place.
1 - Able Skills is an approved provider for the purposes of Professional and Career Development Loans.
Professional and Career Development Loans are commercial bank loans that can be used to help pay for work related learning.
You can borrow between £300 and £10,000 to help support the cost of up to two years of learning (or three years if it includes one year's relevant unpaid practical work). The Government will pay the interest on the loan while you are learning and for one month afterwards. You will then need to start repaying the loan as you would any other commercial loans product.
The loan can be used to pay course fees or other costs such as travel and living expenses. You can also use the loan to supplement other forms of support such as grants or bursaries.
As the Professional and Career Development Loan is a commercial loan product, you should make sure you have investigated all the funding options that may be open to you to ensure you take an informed decision about whether the Loan is right for you.
For further information on financial assistance to support your learning contact Next Step on 0800 100 900 or visit www.direct.gov.uk/adultlearning
Our learning provider registration number is: 12531
How do I find out more?
You can find out more about Professional and Career Development Loans by calling the helpline on 0800 585 505.
2 - OneWorkLife
If you're about to sign-up to a construction course, there are several finance options available to help you pay for your training.
That's why we've partnered with OneWorkLife; they're a career development company that can identify the types of financial help you're eligible for, and how to apply for it. For example, you might be entitled to an Adult Learning Grant, or a government-backed Professional and Career Development loan, you just need to know where to look. They can also help you to apply for a personal loan.
OneWorkLife will also identify whether there are any opportunities for paid work around your training, so you will continue to have an income while you learn. You might even be able to gain some valuable experience at the same time, which will boost your career opportunities.
OneWorkLife can also show the types of jobs currently available in your local area, so you can get an idea of the opportunities in your chosen field. Getting new skills is an investment in your future, allowing you to aim for a job and career with higher earnings, and potential. You only get one work life, so make the most of it.
Visit the OneWorkLife website http://www.oneworklife.com now to find out more about their services. Alternatively, you can give them a call on 0121 222 2313.
3 - City & Guilds Financial Assistance Funding
Do you need financial support for your City & Guilds qualification?
If you are aged 16 or over and you live in the UK then you can apply for a City & Guilds bursary (educational grant).
City & Guilds have a small amount of discretionary budget available with which they can offer financial assistance to a small number of people who are finding it difficult to fund their study for a City & Guilds Group qualification. They may be able to help with:
• Paying course fees (if no other funding is available)
• Paying child care (for the hours you are studying)
• Paying travel costs (to and from the centre you are studying with)
• Helping towards the cost of essential equipment or materials.
Please note that they are unable to pay any retrospective payments. This includes payments for any career development loans or deferred loans that you may have agreed with your centre, college or bank in order to pay your fees. Please see terms and conditions before applying.
Who is eligible?
You must be intending to enrol on an approved course that leads to a City & Guilds qualification. Only applicants who are currently living in the UK and intend to enrol on a course within the UK can be considered. For further information on the City & Guilds Bursary Scheme call 0844 543 0033 or email bursaries@cityandguilds.com. For information on bursaries outside of the UK email: internationalfoundation@cityandguilds.com
How to apply for a City & Guilds Bursary
You can complete the Application Form available here.
4 - Able Skills Flexible Payment Plans
In most cases you can reserve your chosen course with a deposit and make the balance payment on the day you start your course. However for some of those more expensive courses, especially the course packages, we can make arrangements to spread the cost of the course over the entire period of your training - no interest will be charged.
Simply call 01322 280 202 and ask for more information.
5 - We are approved for Military Enhanced Learning Credits
We are ELCAS registered so military personnel can use Enhanced Learning Credits for any of our courses which result in a nationally recognised qualification at Level three or above on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). For more information please see our resettlement courses page or call us on 01322 280 202.
Our ELCAS Approved Provider Number is 2411
