Carer - paying for training up front in order to obtain agency work

thriftytracey

My OH has been out of work for eight months - he was an IT contractor but work has dried up. He has applied for all sorts of jobs with no success. He has had previous experience working with people with learning difficulties and 12 years ago was a Youth Worker so he is looking at agency work as a carer. He has been to see an agency who say they can get him work locally (at a residential home for adults with learning difficulties) and he can choose what hours he works. He has to go on several courses totalling £150 which is deducted from his wages of £6.38 an hour.

He would like to work 5 mornings a week Monday to Friday, keeping is afternoons free for job searches.

My questions are:-

1. Is it customary to have to pay for these courses/checks, First Aid, CRB check etc.

2. Is it realistic to expect to get regular work locally at the hours you choose?

3. Is it difficult to get work as a male carer?

Thanks