Learners in some parts of the South East and East Midlands will be the first to trial the Government's new learner accounts.

The trials, set to begin in September, will give up to 4,000 learners over 19 the opportunity to study for level 3 qualifications, including NVQs, A levels and BTEC National Diplomas.

The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) says all learners with accounts will be able to call on independent advice and guidance to help them choose the right course and training provider to meet their needs. Once enrolled, students will receive an account statement setting out details of the learning, the costs of that learning and the contribution, if any, they are expected to make.

As they approach the end of their learning programme they will be provided with details of further development opportunities to progress their learning.

Welcoming the trials Bill Rammell, minister of state for lifelong learning, further and higher education said: "We are moving to a further education and training system driven by employer and learner choices.

"With the new national employer training scheme Train to Gain and the development of Learner Accounts we are working towards our ambition to deliver truly world class skills to help us compete globally with the best in the world. These trials are an important step forward on that journey."

The LSC says Learner Accounts will be available through colleges of further education and other providers of high quality education and training who have satisfied the LSC's quality assurance process.