In response to the Department for Education’s updated publications regarding the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE), Vanessa Wilson, CEO of University Alliance said:
“University Alliance’s member universities are passionate advocates for lifelong learning, flexible teaching, and aligning courses with local skills needs. We welcome the government’s renewed commitment to the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) and its alignment with the industrial strategy.
“However, I am concerned that the government’s ‘build it and they will come’ approach will not generate sufficient demand for this new model. Barriers which could prevent uptake of the LLE must be tackled, for example by supporting online learning, boosting adult careers guidance and considering additional incentives. Maintenance support will be vital, and I am pleased that the majority of learners on the LLE will be eligible for maintenance loans.
“Regulatory hurdles also need addressing: current regulation discourages the modular course model the LLE depends on. We urge the Department for Education to work closely with universities and providers to remove these obstacles.
“As the economy and technology evolve, helping people retrain and reskill throughout life is more important than ever. Getting this right could be transformational, and we are looking forward to working with government to achieve that.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
The Government’s updated LLE publications can be found below:
Lifelong Learning Entitlement Overview
Guidance: maintenance loans for living costs in the lifelong learning entitlement
