Flexible courses for lifelong learning
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
On 25 August 2021, the Government announced a programme to support people looking to study or train throughout their lives. Supported by bespoke loans, learners will be able to upskill or retrain through short university or college courses at a pace that is suited to them.
[edit] Targeted courses
Universities and further education colleges are being invited to bid for a share of £2 million to create new short courses across five subject areas: net zero, digital innovation, STEM, healthcare and education.
Providers will be tasked with developing relevant courses which could be as short as six weeks – or as long as a year if studied part-time – and which will deliver learners with a certificate they can use to build towards future training and employment.
The plans aim to put an end to the perception that traditional three- and four-year degree courses are the only route for those who want to pursue further education or training. Students will be able to space out their studies and learn at a pace that is right for them, including opting to build up their qualifications over time, within both colleges and universities. The first short courses will be available from September 2022.
[edit] Funding
Delivered by the Office for Students, the Higher Education Short Course Challenge Competition will fund up to 20 successful bids from HE providers to trial short courses aimed at boosting skills and getting more people into work. The trial is one component of the Government’s Lifelong Learning Entitlement (part of the Lifetime Skills Guarantee) which will provide students with access to financial support for different courses throughout their lifetime The flexible student loan arrangements will give learners access to loans that could help support them for the duration of their short course.
Ref https://www.gov.uk/government/news/short-university-courses-to-provide-flexible-training
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
How can digital twins boost profitability within construction?
A brief description of a smart construction dashboard, collecting as-built data, as a s site changes forming an accurate digital twin.
Unlocking surplus public defence land and more to speed up the delivery of housing.
The Planning and Infrastructure bill oulined
With reactions from IHBC and others on its potential impacts.
Farnborough College Unveils its Half-house for Sustainable Construction Training.
Spring Statement 2025 with reactions from industry
Confirming previously announced funding, and welfare changes amid adjusted growth forecast.
Scottish Government responds to Grenfell report
As fund for unsafe cladding assessments is launched.
CLC and BSR process map for HRB approvals
One of the initial outputs of their weekly BSR meetings.
Architects Academy at an insulation manufacturing facility
Programme of technical engagement for aspiring designers.
Building Safety Levy technical consultation response
Details of the planned levy now due in 2026.
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.
The restoration of the novelist’s birthplace in Eastwood.
Life Critical Fire Safety External Wall System LCFS EWS
Breaking down what is meant by this now often used term.
PAC report on the Remediation of Dangerous Cladding
Recommendations on workforce, transparency, support, insurance, funding, fraud and mismanagement.
New towns, expanded settlements and housing delivery
Modular inquiry asks if new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing.
Building Engineering Business Survey Q1 2025
Survey shows growth remains flat as skill shortages and volatile pricing persist.