‘Best decision I’ve made’ - rewrite your story with fully funded courses
Personal Learning Account courses are funded by the Welsh Government, so you can transform your career without worrying about the cost - but apply before July to avoid missing out
The deadline is approaching to apply for fully funded courses that could elevate your career - or help you launch a new one.
Busnes@LlandrilloMenai and the Centre for Infrastructure Skills and Technology (CIST) are helping people rewrite their story through Personal Learning Accounts (PLA).
These are flexible courses for people earning less than £32,371, or whose jobs are at risk - giving them the skills they need to start a new career or progress in their industry.
The vocational courses, which are fully funded by the Welsh Government, focus on sectors facing skills shortages, such as construction, engineering, IT and digital, finance, green jobs and more. The full list of courses can be found here.
The current list of courses is available until July, so apply now to take advantage - head to the PLA page on Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s website and find the course you’re interested in.
‘It opened my eyes to a new world of work’
Bea O’Loan was working in a pharmacy on a temporary contract when she decided to upskill. She is now a health and safety coordinator for Jennings Building and Civil Engineering.
“I felt the different jobs I had undertaken didn’t offer me the opportunities I wanted,” said Bea, who gained two qualifications accredited by NEBOSH (the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health).
“The first PLA course was the turning point. It opened my eyes to a whole new area of work and helped me to broaden my horizons and to look for employment in different sectors.
“I now work in construction - something I never thought I would be doing. I made new friends through the course, and it introduced me to a whole new community. It’s the best thing I did.
“Without the PLA I’m not sure what I would be doing today. It has opened up new opportunities for me and put me on the path to a career where I can see a future for myself.
“I’m in a job I love and my employer is supportive. And because of the two qualifications I gained through the PLA I am now eligible to study for the NEBOSH diploma.”
‘I’ve found a passion for my job… and I earn more’
Francesca Giacomet qualified as a gas engineer through the PLA, having started her career upgrade with a Level 1 Plumbing course at Coleg Llandrillo.
She said: “I told my tutor that I would like to become a gas engineer. He told me about PLA funding so I decided to find out more. They were very helpful, gave me all the information I needed about the course.
“I started in 2020 and did find it quite challenging at first. There was a lot of information to take in, but once I started to understand it, I really enjoyed it.
“I have completed my Gas Safe Course and am now a qualified gas engineer. I work installing gas fires for Debrett Fires which I’m really enjoying. I’m really proud of myself for achieving my qualification. I have found a new passion for my job and as a bonus I earn more money for having my qualification.”
Am I eligible?
To be eligible for training through the Personal Learning Account, you must be earning an annual basic salary under £32,371, and meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Be employed (including self-employed), or
- on a zero hours contract, or
- agency staff, or
- at risk of being made redundant
Note: Grŵp Llandrillo Menai now offers a range of Digital and Net Zero courses that have no maximum wage eligibility criteria.
How much will the training cost?
Nothing, the cost of the training is 100% funded by the Welsh Government. However, you will need to pay for your travel and ensure you have sufficient time to commit to attending and completing the course.
PLA funding for 2024/25 will be capped at a total of £5,964.47 per learner.
Do you want to upskill or start a new career through the PLA? For more information, to see the full range of courses, or to apply, click here.