Do I still need to Sign on? (Long) and a moan

terryw

Got2change wrote: »

I note what you say re. being a student = not looking for a job. But in the OP's case, I'm not sure if there is any value to her signing on (esp. with the NI vs HRP issue.....) so, IF there was no value, I would in her case look again at what the college(s) can offer in terms of vocational courses. Anyway - repeating myself ....
...As for the OU; I totally agree with you there - in fact, am due to start a short course with them myself in June. The length of time their courses take is a bit daunting but they can of course be studied around work/family and courses are "free" when income is below a certain level (I am sure the OP's OH would be eligible). As for student loans, I don't think OU courses are eligible but the OU itself does have hardship funds on a case by case basis.

Sorry that I did not make myself clear about he student loan. A conventional student builds up a fortune in debt with student loans but an OU student on JSA or IS will not have a student loan to pay back. Plus no fees to pay.

terryw

CANYOUHELPME_2

Terry W

Sorry can't seem to see the link? is it just me

Got2change

Thanks for the comments

Have had a look at the free OU courses and none of them stand out as being like an ECDL,and i doubt realistically she would want to do an OU Course,but i will download the prospectus and let her have a look

CANYOUHELPME

terryw

CANYOUHELPME wrote: »

Terry W

Sorry can't seem to see the link? is it just me

Got2change

Thanks for the comments

Have had a look at the free OU courses and none of them stand out as being like an ECDL,and i doubt realistically she would want to do an OU Course,but i will download the prospectus and let her have a look

CANYOUHELPME

Oops don't know what happened there. Try this:

http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/atoz/atozdetailed/homeres.asp

best wishes

terryw

elkay115

Im in Scotland, and we have Learn Direct Scotland and Individual Learning Account (ILA Scotland). I am pretty sure there will be the equivalent of these all over the UK. Do a google and see what you come up with. Hope this helps.

Got2change

terryw wrote: »

Sorry that I did not make myself clear about he student loan. A conventional student builds up a fortune in debt with student loans but an OU student on JSA or IS will not have a student loan to pay back. Plus no fees to pay.

terryw

terryw
Sorry back - I didn't really read it properly.
Silly me.

Canyouhelpme.
Guilty as charged of straying from the original topic (as in "Does she still need to sign on?"); mainly because I don't know the answer to that but wanted to have some input re. the qualifications. ECDL should be available at the college - and I still maintain it should be free if she doesn't have qualifications of that level (even if she does, she could play dumb) or try googling WEA (Worker's Educational Assoc) to see if there is one nearby as their courses are free or heavily subsidised and (I've just had a look) Learn Direct offers ECDL - although I haven't found out the cost (was on hold for too long for me) and their Home page says that some courses are free.

wolfehouse

if it's just the knowledge she's after she can do the modules free at her local library (at least they have it at mine) and not take the tests (which cost rather a lot).
That way she can tell a future employer she is up to speed with microsoft office and just not mention any certificates.

CANYOUHELPME_2

All thanks for the input so far

Got2change
Not a problem going off topic, as for courses, OH has today phone local Library and all they do is basic PC and web surfing, not courses that would really benefit her.
As for Learndirect when i had a look the 7 modules were £150 plus the exam fees for each module all in all with everything else is something like £350 - £400.

Wolfehouse

Thanks for that,our libraries don't do those type of courses but there is no saying she couldn't do all the modules and do the exams at a later date i guess and say she was in the process of doing an ECDL -??

CANYOUHELPME

Rabiddog_2

ECDL Is a very basic "can you turn on the computer and surf to a specific web page?" . Learndirect normally offer this free or for a fiver if your claiming JSA . Also your OH will need to keep claiming as she gets pension credits and her own contributions record which she will need when she divorces you.

CANYOUHELPME_2

RABIDDOG

I am under the impression that an ECDL is more than a "switch it on and surf the internet" course and it ain't £5 as you state

terryw

CANYOUHELPME wrote: »

RABIDDOG

As for the last comment "when she divorces you" this is a very offensive comment to me and an apololgy on the list is expected

I had taken this as a humorous comment and had a quiet chuckle! I don't think any offence was intended......over to you Mr Dog.

terryw