Financial support
CILEx realises that learners may face difficulties in funding their legal studies
If you are thinking about studying for a CILEx qualification but are concerned about the costs involved, you could qualify for financial help. There is a variety of schemes provided by government and other agencies offering financial support and loans for people undertaking training.
Financial support to support learners with their studies is complex and will depend on many factors including government priorities and for learners, their age, where they live and their financial and personal circumstances, the qualification they wish to complete and mode of attendance (full or part-time ) as well as the status of their CILEx accredited centre.
There is a wide range of information available mainly through the web. This article aims to highlight what funding may be available to help you as a CILEx learner.
Government schemes are different in England and Wales and are subject to review and change.
Learners should consider the following sources of financial support which are primarily for those studying in the Further Education sector. There may be other sources of funding and support available on a local or regional basis, including help with childcare and travel costs. Learners are also recommended to contact their proposed accredited centre for further information.
This article aims to highlight what funding may be available to help you as a CILEx learner
Advice, guidance, information and support to help learners make decisions on learning, training and job opportunities.
Advanced Learner Loans have changed with effect from May 2016 and provide support for those aged 19 and over to access Level 3, 4, 5 and 6 courses from 2016 and this will be reviewed annually. Eligibility will depend on the qualification, college or training provider, age and nationality or residency status.
The CILEx Level 3 Certificate and Diploma in Law and Practice will be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.
The CILEx Level 6 Diploma in Law and Practice may* be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.
*CILEx is in the process of seeking recognition for its Level 6 qualifications to enable individuals over the age of 19 to apply for Advanced Learner Loans.
This fund provides help from the government to pay for essential education costs if you are between 16–19 and in Further Education or training. The bursary scheme is means tested and can help to pay for costs, including transport to your CILEx-accredited centre.
Help with the costs of staying on in Further Education and training may also be available through access and learner support funds. These are usually administered by local Further Education colleges. Individual colleges set their own eligibility rules; determining their priority groups and maximum amounts they may award. Financial help may be available for travel, books or childcare. Learners should contact their college’s learner advice and guidance team before they enrol.
If you are a learner and a young parent, Care to Learn may help pay for your childcare and related travel costs while you are learning.
Professional career development loans (PCDLs) are available for learners who are 18 or over, settled in the UK, have been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least the three years prior to the start of their learning programme and intend to work in the UK, the European Union or the European Economic Area when the course finishes.
Because the Professional and Career Development loan is (PCDL) led by demand from learners, only a learning provider (a CILEx accredited centre) that has been approached by an individual learner who wishes to undertake a course with them may apply for inclusion on the PCDL register. Therefore if you are interested in applying for a PCDL you should discuss this first with your CILEx accredited centre.
The PCDL may help pay for a course, including CILEx Level 3 Diploma in Law and Practice and Level 6 Diploma in Law and Practice, that lasts up to two years, or a three-year course that includes up to one year of work experience. The criterion is that the course leads to employment or enhances job skills.
For further information on Apprenticeships including payment of the minimum wage and funding available to employers see the Apprenticeship article on page 12.
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In 2014 CILEx completed research which indicated that the majority of employers of CILEx learners contributed to their employees’ annual membership and course fees.
CILEx learners in employment could initially ask their employer, particularly if the employer is accredited with Investors in People, to help them with their study costs.
CILEx learners could also suggest that employers consider other areas of support, including:
- Day release and/or study leave;
- Coaching and mentoring and
- Providing experience in other areas of work in the business.
If you are going to approach your employer and present a case asking them to support you with your CILEx studies, it is suggested that you outline the potential benefits to the organisation, which may include:
- Opportunities to qualify as a Chartered Legal Executive lawyer or work as a paralegal specialising in a particular area of law through unitised and nationally recognised legal qualifications;
- Flexible, adaptable and cost-e ffective training where training costs may be tax deductible;
- Legal qualifications which combine experience in the workplace with academic training including developing professional skills to meet their business targets;
- Increasing retention of staff and
- Enabling support staff to generate business income by converting them into fee-earners on passing CILEx qualifications.
Wales has its own funding programme and the following websites may be useful.
Adult Education Funding Guide source and visit here
CILEx will continue to monitor any changes to funding and students are advised to regularly visit the CILEx website.