Funding for training for the over 50s?

hum_lovely

Hi, does anyone have any ideas on funding (loan or grant etc) for retraining for over 50s? My partner is a self employed builder and has very little work due to the credit crunch so is looking at training to do dry stone walling, lime mortaring etc or retrain as a plumber but these are all expensive. At the moment he does not have enough to meet current costs never mind fork out for a course due to having no business so any ideas anyone has would be appreciated!

Titch89

Career development loan? (CDL)

Savvy_Sue

You do have to be careful with a CDL: repayment starts immediately, regardless of whether or not you've got a job to go to.

However, I think it might be a good idea if I swing this over to the Employment and Jobseeking board - if there is anything, they will probably know about it over there.

Meanwhile, Debt Free Wannabe and Old Style to help you cut costs while money is tighter than tight ...

Zazen999

hum-lovely.

Is your husband registered with the CITB? And does he have anyone at all working for him?

I ask because if he does have someone and registers, then he basically becomes an employer, which means he can claim citb grants. He will be under the threshold for paying any levy [currently this is about £76k] -
which basically means that if the company's wage bill is less than £76k, he can claim grants but not pay any levy.


My day job is advising companies on levy and grant [i used to work for the CITB, but then got a life], so if the above applies then I can advise by PM on how to claim grants. I charge a fee usually, but on here I'll do it for now't by PM [within reason].

If he wants to do an NVQ and retrain, then there is money called Train to Gain; which is government money. This means the government pay the provider to do the training for you. It should be free for your husband.

http://www.traintogain.gov.uk/

Find a broker in your area, they will advise either by phone or come to see him - and they will also be able to ask around their providers to see whether there is any training available.

Also - the CITB - now called ConstructionSkills - have just been given direct funding from government - so call your local office and see who does the training you require in your area, and see if there is a chance that you can tap in to this funding. He does not have to be registered at this point to ask the question.

http://www.citb.co.uk/contactus/

In addition - try googling the courses and see if anyone is around your region that can help - most providers of training have some funding so you'll need to speak to an 'employer engagement in construction' person, rather than a tutor. You will then hopefully be able to sign up to whatever funding route they have to take advantage of it.

Also - if he can find an employer, he could go on an adult apprenticeship...but the industry at the moment is in a bit of a slow down as you know - so I'd try the funding route if at all possible and get him retrained.

Others may be along with more ideas for you.

janetv

There is an Over 50s Training Grant although there are a number of conditions attached to it. Have a look on https://www.direct.gov.uk under "education and learning".