The Secretary of State for for Innovation, Universities and Skills, John Denham, visited Bury College to open the Aspire Centre, the college’s new exam and sports centre. Adult students at the college also met with Mr Denham at the college and told him how the new Adult Learning Grant (ALG) is helping get them back into education.   

The ALG is a £35 million investment by the Learning and Skills Council that will make a significant contribution to improving the skilled workforce.   It gives eligible adults up to £30 a week to help with the extra costs that taking a college course can bring. 

David Chaytor said: 

“I was delighted to welcome John Denham to Bury, not only to open this outstanding new building at the college, but also to hear the good news about the Adult Learning Grant. 

“I am convinced that this extra money for adult learners will have a beneficial effect on those adults in Bury who may be considering returning to learning or starting to study something new.” 

John Denham said: 

“The £30 a week that Adult Learning Grant offers will make a massive difference to the 30,000 individuals each year who will get it. 

“Pilots have already shown that the grant opens up opportunities for low skilled, low income adults to gain new skills and qualifications, which wll improve their employment prospects and provide a route to a better life.   

“In some colleges one hundred per cent of learners receiving ALG have completed their course.”