help with funding a training course

jofraz

I'm looking to do a dog grooming course and was wondering if anyone has any advice on where I could get help with the costs of the 2 courses id like to do.

After staying at home for 17 yrs looking after my disabled son (who has now gone off to university) I need a career. I have worked part time managing a cleaning contract for a company for 7 yrs, but my heart lies with dogs.
I have been involved with dog rescue for many years & currently have 6 of my own dogs & 2 fosters. I know the basics in clipping etc & nail trimming ear cleaning, I have extensive experience with all kinds of dogs from all kinds of circumstances thus would like to use these skills to make a career.
I would also love to offer my services when qualified to rescues in need.

Apparently , now I am unemployed, I don't qualify for job seekers so cant get help with costs for any courses!

Does anyone have any ideas where I may be able to get funding assistance from?

The course costs are £1300 or £1800 for the advanced.

Thanks in advance for replys

Regards jo

Sanne

Maybe a professional/career development loan is an option if the course(s) qualifies.
https://www.gov.uk/career-development-loans/overview

saintjammyswine

Look into local land based (e.g. agricultural) colleges and ask about courses that are fundable. Many of the courses related to dog grooming (& related subjects) are more leisure courses and so do not attract any funding meaning you will have to pay the whole cost. There are courses within this area that can get funding providing you can find somewhere that offers them. Examples are the Level 3 Diploma for Professional Dog Stylists from the awarding body City & Guilds. If you contact them, they may be able to tell you where you can get this course or try http://www.hotcourses.com/ .

Marshmallow82

Why don't you qualify for JSA?

p00hsticks

jofraz wrote: »

Apparently , now I am unemployed, I don't qualify for job seekers so cant get help with costs for any courses!

I think you've got hold of the wrong end of the stick somewhere here - you pretty much HAVE to be unemployed to qualify for JSA!

some colleges etc give reductions for courses to JSA claimants, but often only if you are on income based (means tested) JSA rather than contributions based.

pmduk

Another possibility, depending on the level of the course, might be a 24+ Adult Learning Loan. It might be worth checking the National Careers Service website. They've lots of advice on funding for training.

BigAunty

Perhaps you could start a self employed business doing dog walking and doggy day care and perhaps general pet care for when people are on holiday. From that income, you will be able to fund your grooming course and build up a customer list for the grooming services from your walking/pet care services?

Are there cheaper courses than that?

tomtontom

Before shelling out any money, look into what services are already available in your area. Also how many people will be in the course, if there are twenty, that is twenty people who are likely to start businesses at the same time as you. Every area will be different, but in mine the market is already saturated, including several mobile services with super duper vans kitted out with all the equipment.