Funding streams for professional qualifications

El_Rey

I'm currently employed in a non-clinical role within the NHS and would like to study for a professional qualification to improve my prospects. I have mentioned it in a few of my annual personal development reviews, but my manager has said there isn't enough money available within the budget to fund the course. They've said I could do an apprenticeship as these are funded via the apprenticeship levy, but I'm unable to find one that would be likely to enhance my prospects. I'm also put off by the length of time apprenticeship programmes take to complete.

Would there be any funding options available to me if I were to study for a professional qualification in my own time and from my own pocket?

gwynlas

A lot depends on your age, there are some charities that give grants towards further education but these tend to have a cut off age of 25.

What is wrong with going down the aprenticeship route as most professional qualifications take about three years anyway?

DecoChicken

This very much depends on what you see yourself doing in the future and what you are doing now.

There’s literally hundreds of non-clinical roles throughout the NHS, essential cogs that keep the service running but are very often overlooked in the handing out of praise.

What role are you? What career advancement does your department offer?

El_Rey

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82165411#Comment_82165411

I work in a small department as an Office Manager/Co-ordinator. Unfortunately, my department doesn't offer any sort of advancement and is one of those that gets overlooked in the handing out of praise.

El_Rey

I'm 41 so likely to miss out on most/all sources of funding.

Some professional qualifications (such as, PRINCE2, Agile and NEBOSH) take much less time than an apprenticeship would.

DecoChicken

You might want to look at the government’s website about Life Long Learning as this may be a way to fund any studies.

I would also suggest you email your trusts apprenticeship department and have a discussion about your options. I know you feel this isn’t how you want to progress but it’s the quickest, easiest method for advancement. You’ll need to be assessed doing the job anyway for most NHS roles so it may as well be part of your job and be paid for it.

Being 41 shouldn’t be a barrier at all, in fact you’ll bring a lot of useful skills a younger person wouldn’t. And many apprenticeships are shorter than you think. Some professional registration courses are 2 years.

The caveat there is you will have to do your homework for the interview, ensuring you know the role you are going for and even asking to shadow a team member and really get a feel for the role so you’ll stand out.

Do you see yourself staying in an admin role in the future or are you open to swapping career direction? If the latter, a good background in management will be a real asset to advancement in a more clinical role.

MayDogsandCoffee

Might be useful to say what type of professional qualifications you want to do - and the end goal. You have mentioned Project Management & HSE quals are they the area you want to move into?

ohreallƳ

Can you use the KSF to encourage your employer to fund quals cost to achieve your personal professional development?

I see a steady stream of degree qualification posts, nursing, physiotherapy, labs to name a few, getting time off and funding to complete MSc.

Build a case to put the benefits to management and if you keep getting knocked back then your next steps may be to consider prosecuting a grievance.

I did NEBOSH NGC (assuming that what your referring to) god knows how many years ago, if you want pointers reach out. If you decide that route you can begin to develop your path through IOSH registration.

El_Rey

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82168945#Comment_82168945

I am really open to ideas. I feel like I have reached the point where I need to upskill to open up more opportunities and improve my earning potential. I think a Project Management qualification would be useful as it spans so many sectors. HSE also appeals for the same reason.

El_Rey

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82170020#Comment_82170020

Thanks for the suggestion about using KSF to encourage my employer to fund qualifications.

I am not set on a particular path. I'm considering a NEBOSH NGC as although my current role is not directly linked to H&S there are certain aspects that come close to it. I like the idea of how it doesn't limit you to one particular industry. Any pointers you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

ohreallƳ

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82170090#Comment_82170090

Advice, I suggest not reading H&S books on the subject as your course provider will supply them. When you get the books don't start digesting them, work through the chapters as your doing them as the information can be overwhelming if new to the subject.

Nebosh have their own way of constructing answers, get your head around it early.

Are you a union member?