Vocational Training

Mr. Hayes
To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what proportion of the additional support budget of the Train to Gain programme was spent in each English region by the Learning and Skills Council in 2006-07.

Mr. Lammy
Additional learner support is financial support that is available to help individuals to access or complete their education in situations where a lack of money may otherwise restrict them. The funding is for learners from families on benefits or low incomes, or suffering from exceptional financial hardship. Additional learner support can help cover childcare costs, accommodation, or general costs such as textbooks and equipment.

Most learning provision on Train to Gain is delivered in the workplace so it is very unusual for learners participating in Train to Gain to need to apply for support. The Additional Learner Support spent by the Learning and Skills Council in 2006-07 on learners on Train to Gain funded programme of learning was only £1,729 (£150 in the North East and £1,579 in the North West).