Financial capability for access learners

In partnership with the Educational Guidance Service for Adults

Focus group members

Belfast Metropolitan College, Northern Regional College, South Eastern Regional College, Southern Regional College.

Aim

To make older learners better aware of the financial and support services available to them before, during and after enrolment on access courses.

Background

Access courses form a crucial bridge to higher education, especially for people that missed learning opportunities earlier in life. Many access students enrol on their courses after years away from formal education. Often they have financial and family commitments, and manage their household expenses on low to modest incomes.

Even the most academically talented learners find financial constraints a barrier to progression. Many learners are unaware of the potential help and financial support that is available to them.

Action

Involving more than 200 learners, the focus group first carried out a questionnaire about money management concerns. From the evidence gathered, they then developed three main resources: a pre-induction finance information leaflet, an induction interview PowerPoint presentation and access course curriculum lesson plan about funding for higher education.

Outcome

The focus group’s work tackled the growing concerns about the absence of financial information available to learners, both before enrolment and during access courses.

Following a good response to the pre-induction information leaflet, the colleges will repeat its use for the 2011 intake. The PowerPoint presentation is proving useful to newly-enrolled learners on access courses, while the lesson plan provides further financial guidance to those thinking about moving on to higher education.

With better knowledge of money management and sources of support, learners have greater control of their personal circumstances. They are less likely to drop out of courses and more likely to achieve their long term goals.

Testimonial

Nicola Loyal, access learner at South Eastern Regional College

“Money for Life helped answer questions I had about child care costs and whether I was entitled to additional benefits. This was really important for me as, not long after I left my full time employment to study, my husband had to take a pay cut. So for me a part-time job is necessary to pay for childcare and enable me to continue my studies.”