Alliance Learning opens the door to apprenticeships as university fees soar

(24.02.11) THE last 12 months have seen the face of education in the UK change dramatically.

Following October's independent review of higher education funding and student finance, it was revealed that universities would be able to charge students up to £9000 a year for tuition fees in sharp comparison to apprenticeships, which were set to receive additional funding.

Raising the cap on University fees has sparked controversy throughout the UK and has forced many young learners to reconsider their career path. With the government pledging to increase funding allocation for a further 75,000 apprenticeships, it seems work based training may be the credible alternative to higher education.

Responsive to the shift in educational priorities, Bolton based training provider, Alliance Learning is concerned many young people will be left to deal with the repercussions of this decisive action. Unaware of the options available, many may choose a learning path that doesn't compliment their future career aspirations and as result risk professional stability in the long-term.

Taking into account the recent changes, Alliance believe that an apprenticeship is a far more sustainable and financially agreeable form of education and wish to inform local young people about the various careers and sectors of work they could enter after completion of an apprenticeship course.

Alliance Learning are able to offer advice to young people about the following apprenticeships courses; Business Administration, ITQ, Customer Service, Contact Centre, Team Leading, Childcare, Health & Social Care, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Fabrication & Welding.

Apprenticeships are entirely free for learners aged 16-18 and for anyone aged 19+, Alliance Learning can subsidise up to 95% of the employer contribution.

Paul Cocker, Operations Executive at Alliance Learning said:

"Our aim is not to discourage young people from attending university; quite the opposite in fact. With the government investing so much into training the nation, we simply wish to educate learners about the options they have available to them. An apprenticeship is a lucrative opportunity, with great work based benefits and the opportunity to earn whilst you learn. We'd encourage anyone uncertain about the next step of education to get in touch with us for an informal chat about possible course options."

To find out more about the range of courses available from Alliance Learning or if you are an employer looking to take on an apprentice, please contact 01204 696744 or visit the website, www.alliancelearning.com.