Don't give up on learning

Learning something new is among the top ten New Year resolutions that people make and the LSC is urging young people to keep their pledges and enrol in one of the huge range of learning programmes available, and make sure they gain the minimum set of qualifications needed to succeed.

Last year, more than 200,000 16 to 18-year-olds were not in education, employment or training and this January there are thousands of programmes available across England to help young people get back into learning.

The huge variety of subjects on offer ranges from 'Art and Design' and 'Beauty, Hair and Holistic Therapies', to 'Motor Vehicle Technology'. Young people can browse a complete list of courses in their area (and across England) through the online prospectus, available at http://dcsf.gov.uk/prospectus .

By gaining essential qualifications, young people can increase their earnings potential and also their future employability '“ recent research from the LSC among employers revealed that nearly half (47 per cent) would not consider employing a school leaver without the minimum set of qualifications - five GCSEs grades A*-C or a vocational qualification at Level 2.

By enrolling in a new learning programme this January, young people will not only increase their employability but could also benefit from Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) of up to 30, depending on household income.

Ruth Bullen, Director of Young People's Learning at the Learning and Skills Council, said: "As a new year begins, many will be keen to make a fresh start. With such a wide range of subjects and types of courses available, there is so much choice for young people, whatever their interests. By continuing in or returning to learning, it can help them to develop their future employability and they could also receive EMA to help remove some of the financial barriers to make it even easier to get on."