Shadow work and pensions secretary Rachel Reeves heard about the 'rising cost of learning' during a visit to West Thames College, in Isleworth.
The Labour MP spoke to students at the college in London Road yesterday (Tuesday, September 9) about how they are struggling with the cost of tuition fees, travel and childcare expenses.
One 19-year-old, who asked not to be named, said she was already £7,000 in debt.
"I have to work as well as go to college to subsidise my course, and some of my friends are even resorting to taking out loans," she added.
Young people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) currently lose financial support if they spend more than 16 hours a week in education or training.
Ms Reeves said Labour wanted to scrap the limit on training and replace JSA for 18 to 21-year-olds with a 'youth allowance' - paid according to parental income in a similar way to maintenance grants for university students.
"Under David Cameron's government we have a one-size-fits-all benefit system that isn't helping young people get the skills they need to get a job. We believe young people should be in training rather than on benefits," she added.
Ms Reeves also heard from students who complained about childcare costs and inflexible employers.
Zobair Shirzad, 19, of Southall, said: "There is a lack of paid work in our area, and even when we do find jobs, they are minimum wage. Some employers don't allow flexible hours to work around our college courses."
Joanna Nandingna, of Hounslow, said: "We don't get enough childcare and the amount you get free is dependent on wages; my partner works full-time, therefore I get no help towards my childcare. We don't necessarily need money; we just want help with childcare so we can continue to study."
Councillor Ruth Cadbury, Labour's parliamentary candidate for Brentford and Isleworth, joined Ms Reeves on her visit.
"We heard from students how the rising cost of learning is affecting their aspirations and ability to learn. They told us how the fees for vocational and degree courses are putting people off studying," she said.
"Two mature students with young children are angry that this government withdrew support for childcare costs for students, as this is making it difficult for them to take their learning to Level 3 and improve their job prospects."
