Funding rates for individual qualifications are now determined by multiplying the relevant hourly rate for the sector subject areas (SSA) of the qualification by the number of guided learning hours (GLH) as assigned by the Awarding Organisation and recorded on Ofqual’s register of regulated qualifications. These hourly rates recognise the relative costs of delivering training in different sectors and subjects and provide a boost for training in those sectors identified as having greatest skills needs.

Awarding Body NOCN, part of NOCN Group, is encouraging Colleges and training providers to make the most of the new funding this academic year (2024/25) by highlighting those qualifications which have had their funding significantly increased.

These include qualifications in NOCN Group’s specialist areas of expertise: construction & the built environment, engineering & manufacturing, health & social care, and preparation for life & work.

• Funding for the NOCN Level 2 Diploma in Drilling Operations has increased 49% from £941 to £1,843, as has the NOCN Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Specialist Installation Occupations (Construction), which has gone up from £941 to £1,862.
  
  
• Meanwhile funding for the NOCN Entry Level (Entry 3) Certificates in Introduction to Construction, Introduction to Bricklaying, Introduction to Carpentry & Joinery, Introduction to Painting & Decorating, Introduction to Plastering, and Introduction to Tiling has gone up 42% from £941 to £1,632, and funding for the NOCN Level 1 Certificates in Plastering, Tiling, Painting & Decorating, Carpentry & Joinery, and Construction Multiskills has gone up 40% from £941 to £1,574.
  
  
• NOCN Group owns the Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) and the funding for the NOCN Level 1 Award in Simulated Plant Operations has gone up 37% from £195 to £307 while funding for the NOCN Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Roadbuilding and Maintenance (Construction Plant) has gone up 46% from £941 to £1,728.
  
  
• NOCN’s Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Steelfixing (Construction) now attracts £1,728 in funding, up 46% from £941 and its Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Stonemasonry (Construction) now attracts £1,478 in funding, up 36% from £941.
  
  
• Up 29% from £2,225 to £3,125 is funding for the NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (England) and up 35% from £1,417 to £2,184 is funding for the NOCN Level 3 NVQ Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety.
  
  
• Funding for the NOCN Entry Level Award in Using Employability Skills (Entry 1-3) has increased 38% from £300 to £480 and funding for the NOCN Level 3 Certificate in Information, Advice or Guidance is up 43% from £811 to £1,411.

A full breakdown of increases and decreases in funding for all NOCN qualifications as a result of the switch from The Adult Education Budget (AEB) to the Adult Skills Fund (ASF) can be downloaded below.