PEOPLE in the North West are among the keenest in the the country to learn a new skill in 2008, a study has revealed.

The survey of 18-65 year-olds was commissioned by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC).

With January a key time to start thinking about the future, the LSC is offering a £30 a week grant to many adult learners to help with the extra costs of learning.

Janet Jackson, partnership director for the LSC in the North West, said: “A wide range of courses can be supported by the Adult Learning Grant (ALG) across the North West at a range of colleges.

“You can use it to help with everything from the cost of books through to childcare costs.”

ALG is available to learners aged over 19 who are studying full-time for a first full level 2 (5 GCSEs at grades A* to C or an NVQ2 or its equivalent) or a first full level 3 (2 A levels or an NVQ3 or its equivalent) qualification.

If you are thinking about going back to college in September now is a better time than any to start looking for a course to suit you. Call 0800 100 900 or visit http://www.direct.gov.uk/alg to find out if you are eligible.