We want you to succeed at college
We want you to succeed at college, and so we make sure that if there’s anything we can do to help you, we’ll do our best to deliver. It's particularly important to talk to us about financial
support – the rules can be complicated and we don't want you to lose
out!
Financial Help For Learners
Phone the Finance Officers on 01248 370 125 extension 3255 or 3521 for an informal chat. The figures quoted below are correct when going to press but are subject to change - so you are strongly advised to check with us, and make sure you know your financial position before you start the course. (Information on financial assistance applies to UK and EU citizens only).
It is easier to take part in education and training than you might think. There are a number of ways in which you can get help with the resources you will need to complete your course successfully. We have a team of advisers who will be able to guide you through the details. Here are some headlines:
If you are a lone parent on Income Support, you can come on full time college courses until your youngest child is 5, without your benefits being affected. If you receive Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) you can follow a course of a limited number of hours while you look for work. Enquire at your Benefit Agency about training while on other benefits.
If you are a learner following a full-time further education course at Coleg Menai, you do not have to pay fees for any learning activity. Full-time higher education learners are liable to pay a fee. There are grants and loans available to cover this cost - please contact your Local Education Authority or call at Learner Services for further information.
Coleg Menai also has a range of part-time further and higher education courses, most of which carry a fee, though there is funding available for certain categories of learners. If you are on benefits and have a registration or examination fee to pay, you can apply to the Learner Assistance Fund for help.
If you are going to University in September you can apply now for Student Finance Wales support.
If you are aged 16, 17 or 18 on the 1st September, you may be able to claim an EMA - worth £30 a week while you study. Learner Services can advise you as to whether you are likely to be eligible and how to apply.
The fund can cover some of the costs of coming to college for learners who are on benefits or on low incomes. If you are eligible, you could receive financial assistance with any of the following: childcare, materials, equipment or clothing, educational visits, examination or registration fees, travel and general assistance. If you want to apply for childcare assistance, children must be cared for by a qualified childcarer or registered nursery or playgroup.
These grants are for learners aged 19 years and over who are studying over 275 hours per year at college. Learners who have a residual income of less than £18,370 per annum are eligible. Forms and leaflets are available from Learner Services.
Please note that those eligible for an Assembly Learning Grant will not be able to apply for the Learner Assistance Fund unless they require child care or in exceptional circumstances.
Transport
Full time learners aged under 19 who live in Gwynedd must pay £60 per term towards the cost of a bus pass which is available from Gwynedd County Council.
Full time learners, under 19, who live in Ynys Môn must pay £60 per year towards the cost of a bus pass which is available from Learner Services at Coleg Menai.
Learners who live within 3 miles of the College are not entitled to a bus pass. Learners of 19 and over at the start of their course are not entitled to a free bus pass but may buy a subsidized bus pass from Learner Services at a cost, depending on whether they live in Gwynedd or Ynys Mon.
Counselling
If you want to talk to someone about problems while you are at college, you can make an appointment to see a counsellor. The college has its own counselling service, which is completely confidential.
You may feel better once you get things off your chest. On the other hand, you and the counsellor may decide that you need a series of appointments, in order to work through the issues that are troubling you.
The counsellor is appropriately qualified for the work.
You can be seen at the site where you attend the course, or another site if you prefer. To access the service:
- Ring Learner Services at the Bangor campus.
- Call in at Learner Services at Bangor, Llangefni or Parc Menai.
- Send an e-mail to the College Counsellor via the College website, giving details of how you can be contacted.
- Ask your tutor to contact the Counsellor for you.
- An appointment will be arranged for you at a mutually convenient time. In order to maintain confidentiality you need only give your first name. You will not be asked which course
you attend.
- If there is anything troubling you, do come and talk to us. Don’t wait until your problems become overwhelming.
Admissions, Guidance and Careers
You can call into Learner Services to get advice or guidance on any career or progression issue. Staff are available to help you plan your next move or to look at longer term ideas.
We have an extensive Careers Library with information on careers, higher education, work, training and job search skills. All learners are entitled to a Careers interview with one of the Careers Wales staff located in the college. Useful links to careers information:
If you are at all unsure about course choices, you are welcome to come and have a chat with the Advice and Guidance Officer. Phone 01248 383 334, email nicola.davies@gllm.ac.uk or call into Learner Services for an appointment. Careers Advisers from Careers Wales are available at the college to offer impartial careers advice and guidance to all Coleg Menai learners, once enrolled.
You can access this support by booking an appointment through Learner Services, or there are other opportunities when the Careers Advisers visit your departments to do individual careers interviews and group sessions.
You also have open access to the careers libraries and can use computer facilities to view http://www.careerswales.com for up-to-date free careers information.
If you have any worries that you might be on the wrong course, do come and talk to the advisers in Learner Services. It is sometimes possible to change in the first few weeks - so if you have any doubts, don't leave it too late - come and see us and let us help you sort it all out.