career development loans

alanish

the eighty pound is affordable. got my very first credit card in december which i have used twice and payed it off. got no credit history apart from that as i live at
parents. and never been in any other debt no penalties for early repayment

jonesMUFCforever

Go back to your first posting please and explain what is so extortionate about your debt?
I really don't see that you have a problem!

Lower rate APR will only be given on loans over £5k.
Could you overpay to reduce your debt earlier?

Jim_Lewis

:eek: I am alarmed and annoyed to read the posts regarding Computeach.

Like others on here I applied for a CDL with Barclay's to fund a course with Computeach, the MCSE.

Like the others I quickly found that the course simply wasn't for me, and that the promised support and resources were not forthcoming. I actually rang to ask about ways to make the material more memorable, (lines and lines of command prompts in DOS), and was advised to try using a highlighter pen. What gems of advice!

I wish now I had asked to see course materials beforehand, (any reputable institution will do this).

As it was I ended up paying about 3500 quid for a set of manuals which were worth about 50 quid.

I did try contacting Computeach to see if they were prepared to refund some of the course costs, but to be honest I was so embarrassed and cross with myself that I left it too long before deciding to do anything about it.

It is really unfortunate that I had such a negative experience, I am now studying with the OU and I am enjoying it so much; my only regret is not having started with them sooner, and never giving Computeach any money.

For all the people enquiring about CDLs on here, my advice is to really think about what you want to get from the course. Really explore your options in terms of course providers, are there others that will let you pay in installments, without committing to the whole amount up front? Also, find others who have done the course, or are trying to get into the same career etc. most people are more than happy to share their experiences, especially bad ones!

Stupidly, one of the reasons I stumped up all the money for the MCSE in the first place was that I thought it would be good motivation, a bit like joining the gym and wanting to get your money's worth.

It isn't, if the course is for you, you will complete it. If you can't even stand the course, how are you going to enjoy the job that the course leads to???

Finally, I can see no reason why, if your course qualifies you to get a CDL, whether your employer pays for it or not is between you and your employer, you might as well get as much cash with interest paid by the government as you can. As long as you pay all the money back, I'm sure the banks don't care about the rest...Just don't tell them!

MigsyBigsy

Hello all,

I am beginning a GDL in September and have read information regarding the Career Development loan. Is this a good option for a loan? What are you opinions on this?

many thanks

KentishLass

Hi everyone

I'm currently on a course that I have taken out a career development loan for, worth nearly £10,000. I'm hoping to go work/travel in New Zealand or Australia when I've finished (late this year or early 2012), and I can't find anything in the T+Cs about what would happen to my loan should I go abroad.

I'm hoping to be away for 12 months and return to the UK afterwards, does anyone know if it's likely they'll grant me a repayment 'holiday' or whether I would still have to make monthly repayments?

Many thanks for any advice!