A PREDICTED decimation in the numbers of young people undertaking skills training following the introduction of a student-style loans system for the further education sector looks to have been avoided, according to Bolton College principal Marie Gilluley.

Ms Gilluley was speaking in the wake of research from New Economy, which predicted the number of adults joining courses across Greater Manchester would fall by up to 18 per cent.

From the academic year 2013-14, all adults aged above 24 starting courses at level three and above — broadly equivalent to A levels — in colleges or private training providers must fund the cost of learning themselves, typically through a loan.

The report by New Economy — which delivers policy, strategy and research for Greater Manchester — found that learner numbers are likely to fall by between 15 and 18per cent.

But this figure is lower than was feared, and also lower than the government’s projection of a 20 per cent.

The findings were based on a survey of learners aged over 24 in Greater Manchester. A total of 83 per cent had taken out a loan to enable them to study. Ms Gilluley, who is also vice chairman of the Greater Manchester Colleges Group, said: “At the time the loans policy was announced, many of us believed that a toxic combination of recession plus loans would decimate investment in adult skills.

“This report shows that although some people will be put off from bettering themselves through skills, the numbers may not be as large as feared.

"It is worrying, though, that the report finds that people on lower incomes, who often have debts already as well as caring responsibilities, are more likely to be deterred.”

The report also supported the government’s decision announced in December, 2013, to exempt apprenticeships from the system of further education loans.

The research finds that hardly any adults in Greater Manchester had taken out a loan to pursue an apprenticeship because of the cost involved.