Covid: Colleges to get extra £29m to help students

Further education colleges are to get an extra £29m to help students

Further education colleges are to get an extra £29m to help students get their qualifications during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The majority of this - £26.5m - will go toward helping those on vocational courses.

An extra £2.5m is for colleges and trainers to provide extra mental health support for learners.

The funding is in addition to £23m announced by the Welsh Government to support colleges in July.

The news comes after it was announced some vocational learners will return to college after half-term.

Education minister Kirsty Williams said: "It's important we take action to support this year's students, so they can go on to their next stage of education, training or work as they had planned.

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"We are working with colleges to plan a safe, socially distanced return for the vocational students who need it most."

ColegauCymru, a charity which promotes further education, welcomed the cash.

Chairman Guy Lacey said he was "heartened" by the announcement.

And chief executive, Iestyn Davies, said: "We continue to be grateful to the minister and government colleagues in their proactive approach."