Computer training offered to all

The scheme offers an opportunity to get formal training

Every adult in Scotland is being offered up to £100 to develop and improve their computer skills.

The funding forms part of a Scottish Executive drive to extend learning.

The Individual Learning Account (ILA) Scotland scheme offers low income learners up to £200 a year for courses to help them get back into work.

This has now been extended to provide funding of up to £100 a year for basic information technology training to everyone in Scotland over 18.

'Financial barriers'

Deputy Minister for Lifelong Learning Allan Wilson said: "ILA Scotland has already opened up opportunities for thousands of people on lower incomes who previously would have faced financial barriers to learning.

"From today, the practical support of ILA Scotland is extended to all adults in Scotland.

"We have chosen information and communications technology (ICT) training for the universal offer because learner research showed us that even where people might consider themselves to have basic ICT skills, relatively few have any formal qualifications as proof of their expertise."

Previous ILA support was available to people on benefits or those earning £15,000 or less per year.