The Department for Education and Employment have put together a guide for learning providers receiving funds from learners through Career Development Loans.

The guide is intended to explain how the loans work, and who is eligible to apply.

Individuals can apply to borrow between £300 and £8,000 to cover up to 80% of their course fees. The full cost of books, materials and other related expenses including travel and childcare can be included. Living expenses can also be considered for full-time courses.

Career Development Loans can be used to fund the vocational elements of training only. For example, a foundation course used a a step towards a degree isn't elegible for funding, but a stand-alone foundation course would be. Loans can fund full-time, part-time and distance learning courses lasting for up to two years.

Providers with a number of learners funding their learning with loans get a registration number from the DfEE. The guide also explains the conditions for using Indidivual Learning Accounts and Career Development Loans together.

For more information, the guide can be found at
http://www.lifelonglearning.co.uk/cdl/guide.htm