Will I get 'paid' to study?

tincat

I posted this (I thought) last night, but can't find it anywhere so sorry if it's duplicated somewhere.

I've been temping for a year with few breaks inbetween long assignments. Most of the work has been admin/data etc. I would like to get a permanent job which would pay considerably more in something I really enjoy doing; svg, dtp, web design, graphics etc. I haven't been formally trained in these but have lots of experience from jobs I held in another country (difficulty giving references) in the last 10 years - I am british btw.

To get a perm job, I think it would hugely help if I had formal training, which would also fill in a few gaps I have in my knowledge. In my council, Richmond upon Thames, there are some courses I would love to do, starting in September. They are all of different durations, and at different times, some during weekdays, some at night, some on the w/ends etc etc.

If I did the courses I wanted to, it might be hard for me to work at the same time. If I did this between September and December, do you think the council would give me enough to live on? There is only one course which goes on longer than 3 months, and that is one evening once a week so wouldn't interfere from January with any job I get.

Background: I have 2 kids, and currently get CTC, WTC and HB. If you have experience or advice it would be greatly appreciated.

lill

many college courses are free to people in receipt of benefits, It is down to the individual colleges. From my experience when phoning the WTC and CTC and informing them of a drop in income the change i benefits paid is immediate .

Housing benefit on the other hand is a nightmare, the last time i had to claim it it took them 6 months to work out my claim and that was only after they took me to court for arrears.

that is if you could still do a few days work along with your course, Im not sure of the position if you wanted to stop work completely for 3 months

What you need to do is call up the college for the course you want to take they will be able to tell you more regarding fees or any funding you can claim.

Conor_3

Basically as you get WTC and CTC, then you'll probably not get any money from other benefits because the income from the tax credits would be higher than you'd geton IS although the amount of HB should increase.

Not sure how you'd sign on as you'd not qualify for JSA due to being on a course.

If you'd been unemployed 6 months, it'd be another issue as you could do it under New Deal.

tincat

Thanks for your replies. I would certainly be open to working when not on course, but it is hard to fill up the 'gaps' with a day job here and 2 days there etc. I am surprised that you have to be out of work for 6 months before qualifying for the courses... My salary as a temp is not enough to pay for our rent and all expenses, which is why I get HB and the rest.

By doing the courses, I could more than double what I currently get, and maybe get off benefits altogether (maybe not the childcare portion though)

lill

Thats what you need to focus on, the long term benefits of doing the courses far out way 3-6 months or what ever of having to cut corners / juggle your income etc. Good luck and think of all the extra money when you have competed your courses.

Conor_3

The 6 months can be circumvented if you're having to change career because of an illness or disability that prevents you from doing your old job.

May be worth ringing the Skills Train people and seeing what they suggest.

Is the course you're looking at available as a night school course which would solve all the problems?