Uni Fees - Company Vs Loan

VultureDodger · 17 November 2017 at 1:03PM

Hi there, I'm not sure I'm on the right board, so please give me a shove if it should be somewhere else

I need some advice, please. I'm an adult tutor and am employed by my local council to teach in the community. They have just given me a great opportunity to gain further qualifications (levels 4 & 5, with the chance to then possibly gain a degree). The council have offered to pay the fees for me, but this will require a 'tie in' on my variable, annual contract of 4 years (2 years studying and 2 years after that). Now, I really enjoy my job, but like all jobs, there are bits I'm not so keen on and the idea of being tied to a job for 4 years brings me out in panic sweats! I have been told that I can apply for a government loan/student finance, but I'll be liable for the full amount, plus a disgusting rate of interest, if I earn over the current £21k threshold (I don't and it's unlikely I'll get near that for quite a few years, as I work part time, term time, as I have children).

What would you do? Would you take the tie-in and let your employer foot the bill, or would you take on a student loan, which its unlikely you'll earn enough to pay off (unless the government change the goal posts - which, under the current lot, I wouldn't put it past them)

Any words of wisdom, oh lovely people of the MSE boards?...

Mrs_Soup · 17 November 2017 at 5:43PM

Personally I would let the employer fund it, possibly with a guarantee of minimum hours or teaching during the 4 year tie in so you can at least make a living. You don't really want to be tied in if by year three they have got you on 2 hours a week.