Funding
What funding is available for ITQ?
Funding can be a complex issue and there a number of routes worth exploring:
The Learning and Skills Council can provide funding in England for those taking the full Level 2 ITQ Certificate. Much of this funding is administered through the Train to Gain system, so for details of eligibility, contact your local LSC office or Train to Gain broker.
In Northern Ireland, funding is available for those taking the ICT Essential Skills course. This provides an excellent starting point for an ITQ.
In Wales, funding can be available from the Welsh Assembly Government. Further details of arrangements can be found on the Wales pages on this site.
In Scotland, funding is available for the Scottish Vocational Qualification (ITQ).
In every instance, conditions apply, and eligibility is no guarantee that a funded place will be available. Training Providers can generally advise if there is funding support available.
How is funding linked to the QCF?
From August 2010, only qualifications on the QCF will be eligible for funding. We are in a transition period during 2009/10 in which some sectors' qualifications have not yet been ujpdated to the QCF. The ITQ is one of the first suites of qualifications to be fully QCF-ready.
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What is the threshold level for a full level 2 ITQ?
The full Level 2 for funding purposes in England, is defined as the Level 2 Certificate with 16 credits.
What are specialist pathways?
Specialist pathways show that the ITQ Certificate has been enhanced by inclusion of additional units appropriate 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.
Is there funding available for individual ITQ Units?
The LSC has a limited amount of money available for funding individual units from the new ITQ 2009. Again, conditions apply and local LSC offices can provide further information.
What about funding for Apprenticeship?
IT User Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships are based on the ITQ Diploma at Level 2 or Level 3. These are generally funded by the LSC in England, but funding levels and eligibiliity vary according to the age of the Apprentice.