student finance help needed please

Nuttyzebra

hi there,
i am in a quandry at the moment, I am studying to be a further education teacher (the 7304 CTLLS if you of know it). My quadry is the course is not classed as a university course because i only study for one day a fortnight at the college, although when i acheive my certificate i will be on a par with those who have studied at degree level and will be qualified to teach.

I have applied to my local education authority and they have turned me down on the basis of the course. I have gone to MSE grant grabbing page and have not been eligble for most of the grants found through the suggestions based on my partners income, around £18-20,000 pa, i am at a loss, i cannot afford to do this course without some help. I'm not even looking for a lot, just the cost of the course which is around £500.
If anyone has any suggestions i would be greatful

Jude x

Oldernotwiser

In my experience, most people doing this course will already be teaching and sponsored by the college. Have you asked for any help from the Student Service office; you might get some help from the ALF.

Nuttyzebra

As part of the course we do have to have 30 hours teaching, but dont need to be in empoyment to get the 30 hours covered, i am volunteering for 14 hrs and working at half pay for the other 16hrs.
My training provider is not a large enough company to offer sponsorship, who are the ALF?

Oldernotwiser

ALF = Access to Learning Fund

Money for students having financial difficulties. They won't pay all your course fees but they may make a contribution towards them. Always worth asking about if you're on a low household income.