For training providers - The Age Regulations

The Age Regulations place important new responsibilities on training providers because they cover employment and vocational training.

Their new responsibilities apply to these organisations both in their roles as employers in their own right and also in terms of the vocational training services and the ‘provision’ (courses) they offer.

The definition of vocational training providers is broad. It includes Higher Education institutions (universities), Further Education Colleges, Adult Community Colleges, private and voluntary sector training providers and employers.

The definition of vocational training given in the Regulations is equally broad :-

“All types of training which would help fit a person for any employment; vocational guidance; facilities for training; practical work experience and any assessment related to the award of any professional or trade qualification.”

The basic position in relation to training is that learners, or would-be learners, should not be treated less favourably on the grounds of their age. This not only applies to the training itself, but the terms on which the training is offered.

However, once again there are certain exemptions which may apply in certain situations as far as training providers are concerned.

(click here for details of the exemptions which may apply)