PEOPLE who work and live in St Helens can now access funding of up to £150 towards training aimed at improving their career prospects, following the launch of Individual Learning Accounts (ILAs).

Managed by St Helens Chamber, ILAs are part of a national initiative aimed at helping people to save and invest in learning. Originally piloted in 1998, they follow on from the Skill Account devised by the chamber five years ago, and will be available to all employed individuals, working or living in the borough, or people returning to work, who wish to actively develop their skills and long-term job prospects.

A minimum contribution of £25 is all it takes to access an account and on approval, the chamber will contribute a 'Credit to Learn' that will provide up to £150 in funding towards the cost of course fees or learning expenses such as childcare, travel and books.

Kath Boullen, chief executive of St Helens Chamber, said: "We are delighted that a concept that we pioneered has now been promoted nationally."

For more information or an application pack, contact Gary at St Helens Chamber on (01744) 742000.

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