How does Shaw Trust / JETS work? Likely attitudes towards taking courses that are not theirs?

CH67

I've been on Universal Credit for some time, but had my commitments paused due to coming out of an abusive relationship and then health issues.  I've now been referred to the Shaw Trust / JETS scheme, but am quite naive and don't really understand how this will work and what it means in practice.  I do really want to find some flexible work to be able to support myself and the children (ex is very erratic with maintenance, which is only voluntary as he lives overseas in a non REMO country - that's another story).  Does anyone know what the Shaw Trust views would likely be on me taking a course that is not one of theirs? I ask because I'd like to sign myself up for a course that is one day a week for the next 6 months, which will boost my qualifications so I can qualify to apply to apply for jobs that I can't currently apply for as my existing qualifications aren't enough (a family member is prepared to loan me the money to help me pay for the course).  But I've heard that Job Centres don't like you taking courses that aren't theirs as it doesn't tick their boxes - does anyone know if that is true?   Could mentioning it backfire somehow? I would be grateful for any other experiences on the Shaw Trust and how helpful they actually are / types of courses I could potentially take.  Thanks in advance.

sammyjammy

JETS isn't specifically about them sending you on courses, I don't see why you can't do your course one day a week as long as you'd be willing to give it up if you were offered work, you'll need to tell your work coach about the course.  More about JETS below

Job Entry Targeted Support (JETS) - JobHelp (campaign.gov.uk)

[Deleted User]

What level is your prospective course and who accredits it?

CH67

arctic_ghost said:

What level is your prospective course and who accredits it?

Thanks - course is accredited Active IQ Level 3/ REPs recognised, and will give me the further qualifications I need to be able to practice to where I've moved to - my existing qualification was fine for where I previously lived, but all the jobs listed here require me to have specialist equipment training that I don't have.  So it's been something I had wanted to do for a long time anyway, but since I had to move, I either have the choice of no longer working in that industry, or taking a course.  Thankfully like I said a family member is prepared to help out to pay for the course as a loan.  But realistically I'd need to have more of a portfolio career and do two or more different things, so it can fit around the kids and bring in enough money.

[Deleted User]

Sorry, I missed your reply.

Given your info, I'd be inclined to formulate your case but hold off disclosing it, let them open first and see what's on offer. Given my very limited dealings with them, I wouldn't expect great things from them though.  

CH67

arctic_ghost said:

Sorry, I missed your reply.

Given your info, I'd be inclined to formulate your case but hold off disclosing it, let them open first and see what's on offer. Given my very limited dealings with them, I wouldn't expect great things from them though.  

Ah thanks for your reply, I really appreciate it.  Yes to be honest I have the feeling it might be another one of those box-ticking services, and when I was told that they might not approve of me taking courses that aren't one of theirs (i'm sure it wouldn't be, as it's a commercial course open to anyone), I was worried it might therefore backfire on me.  Haven't spoken to them yet though.
Ultimately I just want to not need to be so financially dependent on a controlling ex who is using money to continue the control post separation.  We are in legal proceedings, but a long way off from that being sorted, and I have serious doubts it will lead to anything fair or meaningful anyway.  So of course working in the industry I enjoy and have at least some qualifications in and could potentially fit around the kids makes sense.  In general I'm quite open and tend to naively say too much, so it does make me uncomfortable not disclosing something, and then I have to somehow work how to excuse myself one day a week for this course I'm not disclosing!!