Drumnadrochit traffic warden John Beet takes a break from issuing parking tickets to study for his European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) qualification. John is studying for the ECDL through Inverness College and is able to do so because he has opened an Individual Learning Account (ILA).

People who want to take control of their own personal development and expand their skills and knowledge but are being encouraged to open an Individual Learning Account. By registering for an ILA, learners can make considerable savings on the cost of a variety of courses and the first 100,000 people in Scotland to open an ILA can access a discount of up to £150 off the cost of a course.

John Beet said: "I decided to study for the ECDL because I thought it would vastly improve my job prospects. I opened an Individual Learning Account in February and by using it, have saved £150 ."

Jill Byrant from Foyers has also taken advantage of the Scottish Executive-led initiative. Opening an ILA has allowed Jill to take part in an Intermediate Gaelic course which would have normally cost £60 but with an ILA, only cost her £25 . With £115 left in the balance of her ILA, Jill is looking forward to taking up another course when her gaelic classes finish.

Other people with a passion for learning in the Inverness and Nairn Enterprise (INE) area are now being encouraged to sign up for ILAs. Jenny Devlin, ILA adviser at INE said: "ILAs offer a unique approach to learning, allowing people to take control of their own personal development while making considerable savings on the cost of courses.

"We are living in a society where people recognise that there is no longer a job for life so we are constantly having to acquire new skills and knowledge to improve our employability and also our own self confidence."

ILAs can help contribute to the cost of a wide range of courses including foreign languages, management skills and IT courses run by universities, colleges, private training companies or learning centres throughout Scotland. For learners in work, employers can also contribute to employees ILAs.

Inverness College is hosting and open evening on Tuesday 13th March where people can access advice on ILAs or alternatively people can call Learndirect Scotland on 0808 100 9000 for more information.