The importance of learning new skills has been emphasised by one of
the UK's experts in adult training.
It is always vital to learn new skills whatever employment one is involved
in, according to the area director of the Learning and Skills Council (LSC)
Birmingham branch.
Peter Brammall said that learning fresh concepts - whether it be through
online learning or business training courses - can help those who are
looking for a job and people who want to progress in their current
careers.
His views were expressed in a statement from the LSC yesterday, which
marked the two-year anniversary of the Adult Learning Grant (ALG) as a
national scheme. It was revealed by the group that over 78,000 people
across England have been given financial aid to be put towards learning new
skills or retraining since the launch of the programme.
Exactly where the finance has been used was not made clear, but adults
could have spent the money on taking online training courses, English
courses or studying for other qualifications.
Commenting on the scheme, Mr Brammall said there are a number of positive
reasons for taking out the grant. He explained: "ALG provides that vital
financial support to help adults access learning that can make you more
competitive and more fulfilled in the workplace."
The LSC conducted a survey earlier this year which found that one in three
people in the West Midlands thought gaining new qualifications would be a
worthwhile exercise in the long run. Meanwhile, some 25 per cent of the
3,000-plus respondents thought that learning could help them secure the
employment they crave.
In times of high unemployment - there are currently more than 2.26 million
without a job in the UK - the ALG could provide an incentive for Britons to
explore the possibility of learning through work to boost their skills, or
convince them to learn at home to stay ahead of their fellow workmates.
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