Weymouth College students learn key financial skills (From Dorset Echo)

Weymouth College students learn key financial skills

2:00pm Tuesday 5th March 2013 in News By Harry Hogger

WEYMOUTH College students will be given valuable lessons in money management.

As part of the Barclays Money Skills programme, students from the college will be given an opportunity to improve their financial skills, knowledge and confidence.

The programme runs from March 18 to March 28 after the college took part in the initiative last year and claimed it helps to teach important life skills.

Barclays has teamed up with the National Skills Academy for Financial Services to deliver the programme in around 200 colleges nationwide.

Sue Dafter, tutorial and student services manager at Weymouth College, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to offer this innovative money management at a time when students are increasingly being put under pressure due to higher cost of day to day living.

“Good financial decisions are essential in today’s tough economic climate, and by building students’ financial knowledge we are giving them vital skills for the future.”

The 2012 programme at Weymouth College saw sport’s lecturer Tom Priest talk to students about the difference in nutritional value between branded and unbranded products.

Head of education at Barclays Chris Hearn said: “Building on the success of the programme last year, we’re determined to help young people develop the skills they need in later life to manage money effectively.

“For young people living in the UK it has never been more important to learn these skills with the rising cost of university tuition and increased living costs.

“We are proud to be part of a scheme which gives young people the skills they need for a secure financial future.”

Sylvia Perrins, chief executive officer at the Skills Academy said “We’re looking forward to delivering the programme again.

“Last year there were clear improvements in the students’ money management skills, with those participating in the intensive tutorial aspect of the project demonstrating strong budgeting skills.

“It’s incredibly important to equip students with these life skills.”

For further information about the programme visit barclaysmoneyskills.com