New Activity and Learning Agreements

On the 19th July 05, the Government has announced New Activity and Learning Agreements, which are designed to help thousands of young people back into education or training. Pilot schemes are expected to begin in April 2006 with Cornwall and Devon being selected as the area for the South West.

Under the new £140 million schemes, around 30,000 16 or 17 year olds who are not in school, not in work or lacking basic skills will sign personal contracts with their personal adviser where, in return for financial support, they will agree to return to education or receive skills and vocational training.
£60 million will be used to fund Activity Agreement and Allowance pilot schemes in 8 of the areas, aimed at 16 and 17 year olds who have dropped out of education and are currently out of work. They will be offered between £20 and £40 a week in return for committing to a plan to reintegrate them into education or training, including work-based training.

£80m will be used to fund Learning Agreement pilots in 8 of the areas, aimed at 16 and 17 year olds who are in work but not receiving accredited training. The funding will be used to support training for qualifications, and will test the impact of subsidies for employers who allow their workers time off for training.

Contact

Government Office South West