WHILE many people in Birmingham will be looking to make resolutions to lose pounds in the New Year, one organisation is hoping to encourage them to add a few pounds instead.

The Learning and Skills Council is hoping to persuade people to add pounds to their bank balances by applying for an Adult Learning Grant.

It can offer up to £30 a week to adults aged 19 and over who go back into learning and training. The money is used to help out with extra costs, from travel and books to materials and childcare.

One such beneficiary is mother-of-five Jayne Green, aged 37, from West Heath who is set to become a “cut above the rest” in a new career in hairdressing.

She worked in a bank for a short time after leaving school but gave up work when she was 18 to become a full-time mum.

When their youngest child Georgia, now aged nine, was settled at school, Jayne wanted to work in a creative environment but realised that she needed training after being out of the workplace for nearly 20 years.

Her niece recommended a hairdressing course at Bournville College and Jayne enrolled two years ago, and is now working towards an NVQ Level 3.

“It was daunting to go back into education after such a long time because my life had all been about my family and I was also conscious that some of the other students in my group were the same age as two of my children,” said Jayne.

“But it’s been a very positive experience. The younger students look on me as a mother figure and there are more mature students as well.

“The £30 grant during term time is great – it goes towards course equipment and my travel expenses.”

Jayne now plans to become a self-employed hairdresser after finishing her course next summer.

Jerome Boothe, learner support fund co-ordinator at Bournville College, said: “It is very gratifying to know that the advice and support provided by the Student Funding Team is appreciated and is playing such an integral role in enabling learners like Jayne to overcome potential barriers to re-entering education and pursue goals.”