Commentary Part 1: the Learning and Skills Council for England Assistance with respect to employment and training
60.Section 12 widens the powers of the LSC so as to allow it to take part in arrangements for assisting persons to select, train for, obtain and retain employment. Consent of the devolved administrations will be required for arrangements made by the Secretary of State in relation to Wales and Scotland and the consent of the Secretary of State will be required for arrangements made by those devolved administrations. The arrangements that may be made include arrangements for a loans scheme which would be available to learners undertaking either further or higher education. An example of this type of scheme is Career Development Loans (CDLs). The CDL programme operates across England, Wales and Scotland. It is delivered through high street banks, who offer loans on a commercial basis to learners undertaking vocational learning, including some higher education courses. The interest on loans is paid by Government funds during the period of learning.
61.Section 13 enables the LSC to take part in similar arrangements, including provision for loans to be made available to individuals who are undertaking further or higher education, made by the Department for Employment and Learning in Northern Ireland. Consent of the Secretary of State is required for any such arrangements.