education advice please

smilesalot1969

i really hope someone can help me and im sorry if this is in the wrong place.
long story short due to a very abusive life growing up and marriage i never got chance to go to college. i did do an on the job NVQ2 in health and social care about 4 years ago but now im unemployed. I have a lot of self taught skills but employers want qualifications on paper not my say so and i really think i need to go to college and get a qualification in a field id like to work in instead of constantly being penalised for circumstances beyond my control.
BUT how do you do it when youre an adult?? How do you pay for courses and how on earth do you pay your rent and have money to live on??
I have a daughter still in education so i would still get a small amount of child tax but my 19 year old autistic son doesnt work(its hard to find him a job but we're trying) so im supporting 3 people. im desperate to better myself but they dobt make it easy..please help??:(

saintjammyswine

What industry are you looking for courses in?
Have you contacted your local FE College about your options?
Are you currently in employment?

smilesalot1969

no im not in employment at the moment and im looking for a full time course preferably in business studies but i have no idea how people manage this when theyre adults??

saintjammyswine

There is funding for adults available depending on your circumstances.

You already have a full level 2 so can't get 1st level 2 funding but if you are on active benefits then you can get fee remission from the college, you may still have to pay exam or college admin fees though.

If you are over 24 and the course you want is Level 3 or above you can apply for a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan which is not credit checked, more info here https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learning-loans/overview

Best thing to do is to contact your local FE College and ask about your options.

smilesalot1969

would i go for a level 3 though if it is in a completely different field? i dont want to do health and social care i want to go into the business sector if possible. Thankyou so much though i had no idea they gave loans to people my age, it really would help..i'll ring the college later

saintjammyswine

It depends on your previous knowledge and experience really, if you look on your local college website it will probably show the entry requirements for the courses. I think this will be Wiltshire College in Trowbridge
http://www.wiltshire.ac.uk/courses/ftcourses13/category.aspx?category=Business+and+Accounting
http://www.wiltshire.ac.uk/support_services/student_finance/24plus.asp
Good luck,

sovilla

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sovilla

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