Funding
What funding is available for ITQ?
Funding can be a complex issue and there are a number of routes worth exploring. The Skills Funding Agency(SFA) is a new agency set up by Government to fund and regulate adult skills training in England. It has taken over the work of the Learning and Skills Council. In Wales funding can be available from the Welsh Assembly Government. Further information about this can be found on our e-skills UK in Wales pages. In Scotland, funding is available for the Scottish Vocational Qualification (ITQ).
Northern Ireland funding is available for those taking the ICT Essential Skills course. This provides an excellent starting point, and has been mapped to ITQ.
How is funding linked to the QCF?
From August 2010, only qualifications on the QCF will be eligible for fundingWe have successfully completed the transition of ITQ from the old framework, the NQF, to the QCF well ahead of schedule. The ITQ is one of the first suites of qualifications to be fully QCF-ready
So, what gets funded?
SFA published a list of qualifications eligible for public funding on 1st April 2010. Following a successful appeal, the following qualifications are eligible for public funding;
Adult Learner Responsive funding
- Level 3 Diploma (39 credits)
- Level 2 Diploma (38 credits)
- Level 2 Certificate (16 credits)
- Level 1 Diploma (37 credits)
- Level 1 Certificate (13-17 credits)
- Level 1 Award (9 credits)
- Entry Level Certificate (13 credits)
- Entry Level Award (6 credits)
- Entry Level Awards (1 credit)
Employer Responsive funding (including Train to Gain)
- Level 3 Certificate (25 credits)
- Level 2 Certificate (16 credits)
The full list is available to download here.
Specialist pathways show that the ITQ Certificate has been enhanced by inclusion of additional unitsappropriate for a specialist sector or occupational area. For example, the addition of a Sector Specific Unit in Book-keeping or Accounting may make an ITQ even more relevant for a learner using a PC for a range of tasks in a finance office. The additional of a Sector Specific Unit in Customer Service may create an appropriate ITQ Specialist Pathway for someone working in the hospitality or retail sector.
Apprenticeships?
IT User ApprenticeshipAdvanced Apprenticeship are based on the ITQ Diploma at Level 2 and Level 3. These are generally funded in England, but funding levels and eligibility vary according to the age of the Apprentice.
You can visit the e-skills UK Apprenticeships pages for further information or email the team.
Where do I go for more information?
If you have any questions about how to get your ITQs funded please contact the SFA. For general advice and guidance, you can email the e-skills UK ITQ team