Problem: All employers now have to contribute financially to Apprenticeship training. However, not all employers have a budget for this.

Solution: A positive alternative is to encourage your existing staff to invest in their own future – TheLightBulb can help.

The government, through Student Finance England, has introduced Advanced Learner Loans – designed for people aged over 19 who want to study for a qualification at level 3 and above.

Benefits include:

• No financial contribution from the employer is necessary.
• Learners can now achieve the level 3+ qualification they want –
  • NO functional skills, NO 20% off the job training and NO end-point assessments are needed.
• Learners receive regular assessment visits, training and online support from TheLightBulb.
• There is no minimum time limit on achievement.

The loans are not means-tested or credit-checked. Repayments are collected through PAYE – but ONLY when the individual has completed the course and earns more than £21,000 per year. Until then there are no repayments.

Eligible level 3+ courses include:

• Lead Adult Care Worker (Health and Social Care)
• Team Leading
• Management
• Customer Service
• Administration
• Human Resources
• Improvement Technician

Once the loan has been approved, we deliver the training programme as usual.

Full details of the loans are on the government’s website.