wtc and going to college

sweepy66

hi does anybody know if i can enrol at college to do a nail course if i am working part time and receiving wtc

princessdon

Yes - but you will likely pay (some offer reduced fees for wtc and low incomes). Wtc can be a passport if the applicant is unemployed (partner works) as they can use the employability part of funding if it is a route to employment.

Give them a ring -some have huge reductions and offer installments (can be as low as £2 pw). Only your college can help - but expect to pay unless lucky.

Also inform them of hb if you get it, it can make a difference

sweepy66

hi and thank you i told them i was getting help with council tax and hb .as i am on the disability element of wtc .but they didnt realy seem to know .they said if im getting hb and ct benefits then it should be free .i just need to pay for my kit (tools)

princessdon

It is one of those situation that will be down to college funding policy and only they can answer.

Ask them about access to learner Support fund for you kit - you may get a reduction. Some colleges make you pay up front then give you a rebate if you stick it out for a term for eg.

Sorry I can't help as your course and circumstances are not an automatic free - so only your local college can help. Many support HB (and with the Disabled element this gives weight) but it isn't a universal entitlement if you are employed.

Good luck with the course - I hope it works out for you

SandA

princessdon wrote: »

Yes - but you will likely pay (some offer reduced fees for wtc and low incomes). Wtc can be a passport if the applicant is unemployed (partner works) as they can use the employability part of funding if it is a route to employment.

Give them a ring -some have huge reductions and offer installments (can be as low as £2 pw). Only your college can help - but expect to pay unless lucky.

Also inform them of hb if you get it, it can make a difference

What type of course would be considered a route to employment?

I'm wanting to do an access in nursing and midwifery, i've already completed a level 3 qualification so it looks like i'll be paying it all. Although my partner works, we receive WTC, i'm on maternity at the moment but won't be returning as the hours are unsuitable (I work evenings and partner doesn't finish work until after i'm due to start).

Do many people receive help with childcare? i'll be 20, and our joint income is 13000.

Dunroamin

SandA wrote: »

What type of course would be considered a route to employment?

I'm wanting to do an access in nursing and midwifery, i've already completed a level 3 qualification so it looks like i'll be paying it all. Although my partner works, we receive WTC, i'm on maternity at the moment but won't be returning as the hours are unsuitable (I work evenings and partner doesn't finish work until after i'm due to start).

Do many people receive help with childcare? i'll be 20, and our joint income is 13000.

You might want to give some thought to the inherent contradiction in those two statements.

princessdon

If you have given up work following your MA (and your WTC awards show only 1 income) then access courses are accepted as route to employment. As an unemployed dependant of someone on means tested benefits it is discretionary (there is additional funding and the college *may* be able and willing to access this and so wave it), but it isn't guaranteed.

It does depend on your income (ie if you get HB or CTB in addition to WTC). for additional support. eg childcare - in all honesty it depend on how much you want, your college's budget, the price of your nursery etc. The college's in my area prioritise according to income so you'd stand a good chance, but that is a local policy and one to ask them.

SandA

Dunroamin wrote: »

You might want to give some thought to the inherent contradiction in those two statements.

Why? since when does an access course run during the evening? my sister is on a nursing degree and her placements work around her. She doesn't do evenings as she cannot get childcare in the evening.

SandA

Thank you princessdon for that information.

princessdon

SandA wrote: »

Why? since when does an access course run during the evening? my sister is on a nursing degree and her placements work around her. She doesn't do evenings as she cannot get childcare in the evening.

Re read your original question and the bold bits - there is a contradiction but you are probably not aware of it.

It can't be a route to employment if you are employed

SandA

Unless my work change my hours (they've made it quite clear its unlikely) I will be handing my notice in before I apply for the course. I suppose the fall out could be that I left a job, and therefore that could affect fees if i were requesting to have them waived as the course would be a route to employment. Ive just spoken to the College anyway, fees are only waived for those on Jobseekers / ESA and theres no reduction for anyone else so i'll get saving!

thank you