JSA - Volunteering - offered training?

HelenYorkshire

Hi,
I've looked on jobcentreplus and directgov but they're so vague it hasn't helped :rolleyes:
Whilst I've been unemployed I've been volunteering with charity. Now they've offered me chance to do an NVQ level 2 in 6 months. Basically I do and write up certain activities (it's conservation work; and would be part time only) and end up with qualification :j

BUT would this affect the JSA? I've no other income and have been claiming over 6 months... could I push for this new deal thing and have this training instead of whatever they'd pick? Not sure how new deal works other than it is more training focussed - so I've saved them finding me a placement

Or - as seems to be the case - would trying to help myself mean I'm breaking the rules and would be ineligible for JSA?

Thanks in advance

annie123

If its with BTCV they work with the job centre so that wouldn't be a problem but you are still expected to look for work and be willing to give up the course if you found a job etc etc.

You are allowed to do voluntary work whilst signing on, even if it gives you a qualification at the end.
good luck but its tough competion for jobs in that field but you will have a great time doing it.
And if you like it consider further college courses.

HelenYorkshire

Hi, decided to update my thread after a very useful review/interview today
Basic rules are:
- part time training under 16 hours per week is fine
- you can now do full time courses of up to two weeks (although from a limited/selected list)
- you must be willing to give up course should a job offer come through
- and of course you must fill in the right form in order to declare the training.

Hope this helps somebody