|
Why is the difference between part-time and full-time courses important?
The distinction between part-time courses and full-time courses is very important for benefit purposes. The general rule is that if you are on a part-time course, you will be able to claim benefits, such as Jobseekers Allowance, Income Support, and Housing Benefit. However, if you are on a full-time course, you will not usually be able to claim these benefits.
What counts as a part-time course?
The main rule is that if your course involves more than 16 hours a week of ‘guided learning’ (for example, in a classroom being taught by a teacher), then it will count as a full-time course. If it is less than 16 hours a week then it will count as a part-time course. The most important evidence is the ‘learning agreement’ which you should have signed with the college or whoever is running the course. The jobcentre will look at this agreement to see how many hours are involved. The 16 hour rule will apply to most courses that you might do. For example, it will apply to most NVQ courses, City & Guilds courses, literacy and numeracy courses, computer courses and ESOL courses. It will also apply to courses where there is no qualification. The jobcentre is also likely to apply the 16 hour rule to private-paying courses, including short-courses which might just last for a week.
Could a course affect my incapacity-related benefits?
If you are on benefits based on your incapacity to work, for example Employment Support Allowance / Incapacity Benefit or Income Support, you can take a training course or course of study. However, there are two important points to make: Where a training allowance is paid If the course is a government one which pays a training allowance, such as work-based learning, you will have to come off Employment Support Allowance / Incapacity Benefit or Income Support whilst you do the course. You might be able to return to these benefits at the end of the course and at the same rate but see below. Effect on the assessment of your capacity to work Whatever course you do, how you manage on the course can be taken into account in assessing your future incapacity for work. However, the type of health condition you have and the type of course you take are the crucial factors. For example, If you have a bad back and complete a course in history, this might have no effect on your claim for benefit. But if you successfully complete training as a motor mechanic, that could obviously be different.
Can I continue with a course if I have to go on New Deal?
A problem that can arise is where you are already doing a course, for example at a college, and you then have to go onto New Deal for Young Persons or New Deal 25 Plus. Your personal advisor will assess whether the course has a sufficient employment focus before deciding what should be done. Advisors are required to be sensitive and use common sense. This should be particularly relevant to homeless people and should help you argue your case for completing a course. There are different ways in which you could still complete your course. You could complete it within the initial four-month ‘gateway’ part of New Deal (although the mandatory Gateway to Work course could be a problem). Or you could transfer your part-time course to the Full Time Education and Training option of the New Deal. If this situation arises, help from an outside advisor could be particularly important. See Getting help and advice
What are ESOL courses?
ESOL are courses usually for people who intend to live permanently in the UK. They are designed to improve your English. They will help you to live and work in the UK.
Where can I find ESOL courses?
Floodlight.co.uk is an excellent starting point. It has details on ESOL courses at colleges and local council centres across London. On the homepage on the left hand side click on ESOL. On the page that then comes up you can narrow your search subject further. You can also subsequently narrow your search to include, for example, only part time courses and which borough you want to learn in. There is also ‘Floodlight’ the book of part-time courses in London. You will find it in most libraries. The book lists courses from A to Z. Under ‘English for Speakers of other languages’ it lists specialized ESOL courses (for example courses for particular jobs). For general ESOL courses, there is a list of all the colleges and other places near the back of the book with their phone numbers. Note that Floodlight does not list the many charities and other small organizations which may have short and flexible ESOL courses. You might see details of these on noticeboards or ask a support worker. Here are direct links to some colleges and other organizations in and around Central London that you may wish to check directly:
Where can I find English and Maths courses?
These courses are offered at many Further Education Colleges, Local Council Adult Education Centres and other charity organizations. Some homeless daycentres may offer basic courses Learndirect offer many short courses to improve your English or maths under their ‘Skills for Life’ programme. Leardirect is a national scheme where you learn mainly through using computers and the internet. For more information see Learndirect You might be put on English or maths courses through the jobcentre if you are claiming benefits
Tell me about Food Safety Certificates?
Why might I need this? If you want to work in any job which involves dealing with food, then you are likely to need at least a basic food hygiene certificate. This will include restaurants, cafes, sandwich bars and many other workplaces. You might, for example, take the Chartered Institute for Environmental Health (CIEH) Foundation Food Hygiene Certificate. In many jobs, you might be trained for this certificate at the beginning of the job. However, it might be an advantage, if you are looking for work, to have taken this qualification beforehand. How long is the training? Many basic food hygiene courses are just for one day. Some colleges or adult education centres might spread such courses over a few days. You can take more advanced courses which may run to weeks. Where can I do the training? A number of colleges and council adult education centres across London run these courses. How much does it cost? One day courses through colleges may be around £60. You often have to pay for these courses, even if you are on benefits. However, it may be worth checking around different colleges for the best deal. Sometimes, homeless organizations might offer free one day courses. A Homeless organization might be prepared to cover the cost of a basic course, particularly if you are well-known to them. If you have been on Jobseekers Allowance for more than six months you might be able to persuade the Jobcentre to pay for a basic course from the ‘Advisor Discretion Fund’. You will need to convince them that this will give you a good chance of a job. Where can I find Food Safety courses? Floodlight.co.uk is an excellent starting point. It has details on Food Safety courses at colleges and local council centres across London. On the homepage under ‘what subject’ choose ‘healthcare’. On the next page choose ‘health and safety’. On the next page choose ‘Hotel catering health and safety’. There is also ‘Floodlight’ the book of part-time courses in London. You will find it in most libraries. The book lists courses from A to Z. Look under ‘Food Technology and Management’ to find basic food safety courses.
Tell me about First Aid courses?
Why might I want a first aid certificate? A first aid certificate could be a useful qualification to put on your CV. In many workplaces, at least one person is required to have a qualification in first aid. How long is the training? A basic first aid qualification, such as the St John Ambulance Lifesaver award, can be covered in one day. Some colleges or adult education centres might spread the course over a few days. Where can I do the training? A number of colleges and adult education centres across London run these courses. How much does it cost? One day courses through colleges may be around £60. You often have to pay for these courses, even if you are on benefits. However, it may be worth checking around different colleges for the best deal. Sometimes, homeless organizations might offer free one day courses. A Homeless organization might be prepared to cover the cost of a basic course, particularly if you are well-known to them. Where can I find First Aid courses? Floodlight.co.uk is an excellent starting point. It has details on First aid courses at colleges and local council centres across London. On the homepage under what ‘subject’ choose ‘healthcare’. On the next page choose ‘First Aid’. There is also ‘Floodlight’ the book of part-time courses in London. You will find it in most libraries. The book lists courses from A to Z. Look under ‘First Aid’ to find basic first aid courses.
What is CSCS in the Construction Industry?
The scheme aims to register all people working in the construction industry in the UK. You need a registration card. This is the size of a credit card and lasts for 3 or 5 years It is becoming increasingly difficult to get work on larger building sites without a CSCS card There are two aspects to the scheme — skills and health and safety. For general information on the scheme go to cscs.uk.com
How do I book the Health & Safety Test for CSCS?
Telephone 0870 600 4020 Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm You normally need to pay by debit or credit card when you phone. If you cannot pay by card, you may be able to get a support worker to help you through a homeless organization. They may be able to arrange payment by cheque. The test costs £17.50
How can I prepare for the CSCS Health & Safety Test?
The Test Question Book contains all the questions and answers you could face in the test. It costs £8.49 and is available in different languages such as Polish and Portuguese. The Test Queston CD-Rom contains all the questions you could face plus tests for you to practice. It costs £10.99 and is available in different languages such as Polish and Portuguese. Some Jobcentres may run courses to prepare you for the health and safety test. Enquire at your local jobcentreplus. Some charities have run courses to prepare you for the health and safety test. Check, for example, redkitelearning.org.uk
What if I fail the CSCS Health & Safety Test?
You can take it as many times as you wish. You have to pay £17.50 each time.
Tell me about basic computer courses?
If you have little or no knowledge of computers then you are probably best starting in an informal setting. Local libraries may run beginners courses which are easy to access Many homeless organizations have facilities for you to learn and practice on computers. Some of the larger ones are: Ace of Clubs, St Alphonsus Road, Clapham, SW4 Big Issue, 1-5 Wandsworth Road, SW8 Connection at St Martins, 12 Adelaide Street, WC2 Crisis Skylight, 66 Commercial Street, E1 Passage Daycentre, Carlisle Place, SW1 Spires Centre, 8 Tooting Bec Gardens, Sw16 St Giles Trust, 64 Camberwell Church Street, SE5 St Mungos Bridge Resource Centre, Bridge Close, W10
What is CLAIT?
This is a nationally recognised qualification that proves that you can use the main computer applications. There are three levels of CLAIT — 1,2 and 3 Each level has a number of different units. You can take units individually (and get a certificate for passing each one) or you can take a combination of units for an overall qualification. Level 1 (also known as ‘New CLAIT’) is where you should start if you want to build up your confidence. You need to pass five units to get the full award. Level 2 (also known as ‘CLAIT Plus’) is the next level up. You need to pass four units to get the full award.
What is ECDL?
This is a Europe-wide qualification in computer skills. The idea is that employers will know you have the main skills to use a computer You start with a logbook which lists seven ‘modules’ (parts of the course). As you pass each module, this is signed off in your logbook. You can take the modules in any order. The test for each module is 45 minutes long.
Where can I find computer courses?
Floodlight.co.uk is an excellent starting point. It has details on basic computer courses at colleges and local council centres across London. On the homepage under ‘What subject’ choose ‘Computing and IT’. On the next page choose ‘Information and Communications technology’. You might then, for example, choose CLAIT or ECDL. You can also subsequently narrow your search to include, for example, only part-time courses and which borough you want to learn in. There is also ‘Floodlight’ the book of part-time courses in London. You will find it in most libraries. The book lists courses from A to Z. Look under ‘Computers’ and the section within that called ‘Information Technology’. Note that Floodlight does not list the many charities and other small organizations which may have short and flexible computer courses. You might see details of these on noticeboards or ask a support worker.
What are NVQs?
NVQ stands for ‘National Vocational Qualification’. You can take NVQs in a huge range of jobs and professions They are designed to give you the skills and knowledge needed to do a particular job up to the standards set by the industry or profession You build up ‘units of competence’ over a period of time to get the qualification You have to provide evidence, which is assessed, to show your competence in various aspects of the job. The evidence may come from the workplace, at college, or through showing that you have previous experience in a particular skill NVQ Level One usually just provides a general background knowledge of a job NVQ Level Two is an important level because it usually shows you have the skills to do a particular job. It is particularly important in the construction industry as it is required before you can get a CSCS blue skilled card. NVQ Level Three is usually a management or supervisory level
I have qualifications from another country — can I use them?
The organization UK NARIC gives you information on how your qualifications from overseas compare to UK qualifications. For example, they may confirm that a certificate you have from Sweden is at a similar level to an NVQ Level 2 in the UK. You might need to use this service to prove your qualifications, either to an employer or to a college or university.
I have lost my old certificates — can I get replacement ones?
If you have lost old certificates, you should first try contacting the college or other organization where you took the course. They might be able to help get replacements For City & Guilds qualifications, you can contact them through city-and-guilds.co.uk They will search for old certificates at a cost of £34 per certificate
Would I have to pay to do a College course?
If you are on benefits, you will usually qualify for a special ‘concessionary’ rate on course fees. Often this will mean you do not have to pay any course fees at all. Sometimes you will have to pay a reduced rate. Nearly all colleges will require you to pay a one-off college registration fee, whether you are on benefits or not. This will usually be in the range of £15 to £30. You will probably have to find this yourself. For some courses there might be extra expenses involved, such as for books or materials. You might also have travel costs to the college. In these circumstances, you might be able to get help from special college funds, often called ‘Access Funds’ or ‘Learner Support Funds’. The college will give you the forms to claim if you ask.
How do I find out about College courses?
Floodlight.co.uk is an excellent starting point. It has details on all courses at colleges across London. On the homepage under ‘what subject’ you can choose the course area you are interested in. On the page that then comes up you can narrow your search subject further. You can also subsequently narrow your search to include, for example, only part time courses and which borough you want to learn in. There is also ‘Floodlight’ the book of part-time courses in London. You will find it in most libraries. The book lists courses from A to Z. It is excellent for browsing through if you are looking for ideas. If you find a course that you like the look of, the contact details for each college are then to be found at the back of the book. Prospectuses (a type of brochure) for each college are published each year. They contain full lists of courses offered. They usually come out in the spring or summer for the college year starting the following September. They can be obtained from the colleges themselves or through local libraries. All colleges also now publish their course lists online. These lists often contain more information about courses than you will find in a prospectus. They may also have more up to date information, for example showing how many places are left on a course. Sometimes, it might even be important to speak to the tutor who will run a course. For example to check if the course is not too advanced for you or if it is suitable for your needs.
How do I get onto college courses?
You usually have to fill in a course application form first. You will find one to download on the internet, or you will usually find one in the college prospectus, or you can collect one from the college. Once you have filled the form in, you will need to either send it to the college or you can drop it in, in person. If you are on benefits, you will need to provide proof of this. Most colleges usually require a recent letter from the Jobcentre or DWP which confirms that you are receiving benefits. You will usually have to pay a college registration fee (between about £15 and £30), even if you are on benefits. If you do not have a credit card or chequebook, then you will need to make your application at the college in person where you can pay the fee in cash. Some courses may ask for a reference. Don’t let this put you off. Someone who is helping you at a homeless agency might be best. Alternatively, it might be a former tutor or employer.
Where can I find details of private training courses?
One of the best starting points is to go to direct.gov.uk In the ‘search’ box enter the type of course you want. You can also enter your postcode to bring up the courses that run closest to where you are staying You can also simply search using google. For example, just type in ‘forklift training courses London’.
What do private training courses cost?
There is a wide range of cost. For courses up to a week long you will often have to pay a few hundred pounds. As an example, the standard security industry training course is often priced around £200. Be aware that there are often extra costs on these courses. For example, these might be ‘examination fees’ (for the costs of taking an examination) or ‘certificate fees’ (for the cost of the training company obtaining a certificate for you after the course). Make sure you ask about any extra costs when booking a course.
Can I get help with the cost of doing a training course?
The following might help: Crisis Changing Lives Awards Scheme more ›› If you have been working with one of the homeless organizations in London, perhaps a daycentre or the organization who runs your hostel, then they might be prepared to cover the costs of a course for you. This is obviously more likely if the amount is relatively small, say £100 or less. It will also depend on factors such as how long you have been working with the organization and what efforts you have been making yourself. There is nothing to be lost by asking. Career Development Loans More ››
What are Career Development Loans?
The Career Development Loan scheme allows you to borrow up to £8,000 towards the cost of a part-time or full-time course. This can be a way of paying for private training courses. The course must be ‘vocational’, that is, it must improve your employment prospects You apply to any of three banks under the scheme : Barclays; The Co-operative; or the Royal Bank of Scotland.
Tell me about training courses through the Jobcentre?
Traditionally, the jobcentre has run a large number of work-related training courses. This could be anything from plastering to hairdressing. Unfortunately, the range of courses available has been severely reduced. This is largely due to spending cuts by the government. However, it may be that they are running a course that just fits your needs. Availability will vary depending on which jobcentre area you are under. Training courses run through the jobcentre can have advantages. For example: they may pay travel expenses (not usually the case with other training providers); they may pay an additional allowance on top of your benefit; and they may have more flexible starting dates than college courses. Many courses through the jobcentre are full-time - often 30 hours a week. You might see this as an advantage or a disadvantage. Note that most jobcentre training courses are actually run by separate training companies. Some are run by colleges.
What is Learndirect?
It is a national scheme where you learn mainly through using computers and the internet It can be particularly useful if you are homeless because there are learndirect centres all over London with computers for you to use. They are in places like libraries, community centres, churches and shopping centres. Don’t worry if you have little or no experience with computers because many of the courses on offer are about learning computer skills Learndirect might suit you if you prefer learning on your own rather than being taught in a classroom
What courses do Learndirect offer?
Maths and English There are many short courses to improve your English and maths which learndirect call ‘Skills for Life’. Passing these courses can go towards Certficates in Adult Numeracy and Literacy These courses are free except that certain centres may charge a small administration fee English as a Second Language If English isn’t your first language these courses are to help you live and work in the UK. These courses are free except that certain centres may charge a small administration fee Computer courses There are a number of basic computer skills courses if you are a beginner. You should check if there is anything to pay if you are on benefits New CLAIT and CLAIT Plus courses are available. These may be free or low cost if you are on benefits but you should check with the particular centre. European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL). This course is available but you will always have to pay the initial logbook fee (£25) and exams fees which may be between £100-200. Check also if there are any other fees if you are on benefits. Other work-related courses There are a number of other courses which might help you get work. However, you may have to pay towards the courses, even if you are on benefits, and they may not give you a qualification. In each case check with the particular centre about cost. Some examples of courses are: Basic Food Hygiene — covers the skills needed for handling food in the workplace but does not give you an external certficate Fork Lift Truck Operation — gives you the background knowledge but does not give you the licence to operate Health and Social Care — courses to prepare you for work in this sector Call Centre Work — preparation if you are thinking of working in this field Business start-up — preparation if you are thinking of starting a business
How do I get on a Learndirect course?
Firstly you need to find a learndirect centre which is convenient for you. Go to learndirect.co.uk/personal/centres You can then do a search to find the nearest centres to you. Alternatively, you can ring 0800 101 901 for details of your nearest centres or for information about learndirect generally. When you go to a learndirect centre they will ask you what you would like to achieve and help you to find the right course. They will give you an induction, a welcome pack and a learning agreement Staff will tell you how much (if anything) you may need to pay for a course. You will be given a tutor who will help you to complete your learndirect course. There is also a telephone and e-mail helpline if staff are not able to answer your specific questions
Could I do a University course part-time?
There are a growing number of part-time university courses, often aimed at mature students They may offer a mix of weekday, evening and Saturday lectures Some are offered largely as ‘distance’ learning packages where you do a lot of the study from home. This may not suit you, depending on your housing situation. In London, Birkbeck College specializes in part-time courses for adults
What are Access Courses?
Access courses offer a route to university that is quicker and more appropriate for older students than qualifications such as A-levels Most people on Access courses will not have gained any qualifications after age 16 Expect to study in an environment tailor-made for adults with lots of personal support and guidance. Tutors will also advise you on your next move Many Access courses offer you general preparation for higher level study. This includes key skills such as English, maths, IT and how to study effectively Some Access courses are linked to particular degree subjects such as nursing, journalism or law. These courses might offer a guaranteed place at university on a linked degree course if you are successful If you need to build up your confidence to study or are unsure about what to study, there are ‘Pre-Access’ courses which start at a basic level. They can be a good way of finding out if you will enjoy studying Successful completion of an Access course will provide you with an Access Certificate which will enable you to apply to any university.
How do I find out about University courses?
There are many general reference books about university study and degree courses in the reference section of your local library Most local libraries will also have the prospectuses for many universities Go to ucas.com and then to the ‘students’ section for a lot of information on different universities and links to universities’ websites. You can visit different universities on publicized open days
What financial help could I get if I did a part-time University Course?
You can apply for a combination of tuition fee grant, course grant and other financial support.
What financial help could I get if I did a full-time University Course?
You can apply for a combination of tuition fee loans and living cost grants and loans.
I am from the EU — can I get help with the cost of University?
If you are an EU national you can apply for financial help for part-time or full-time higher education courses in a similar way to UK students The main requirement is that you have been living in the European Economic Area for the three years immediately before the start of your course These rules apply also to the the new A8 and A2 countries — Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Bulgaria and Romania
Could I get accommodation at University?
If you are homeless or insecurely housed and thinking about a full-time course, you should obviously consider your accommodation options very carefully beforehand. Most universities have an accommodation office or student welfare officer who can help you find somewhere to live. You should make early contact with the accommodation office. The downside is that most full-time students cannot claim Housing Benefit and therefore have to find some other way of paying the rent Particular possibilities for student accommodation are: Halls of Residence Many universities have these. You usually have a room and share bathroom and toilet. Some halls provide meals but many are self- catering. Costs will vary but can be quite reasonable. University or College-owned Houses and Flats There is likely to be high demand for these although you might get priority if you are a mature student. Adult Residential Colleges If you want to do an Access Course then there are a number of colleges across the UK which offer one year courses with accommodation provided. These colleges are particularly aimed at adults whose education stopped when they left school. Nearly all students are funded for up to a year by a special bursary (a type of grant which you do not have to pay back) which will cover fees, accommodation costs and other living expenses. To find out more about these colleges have a look at their websites:
What is the Open University?
The Open University (The ’OU’) caters mainly for mature students, including those with no qualifications Most of the learning is ‘distance learning’ - studying at home or wherever it is convenient You do have contact with a regional centre and you are allocated a tutor who can offer regular guidance. There is also the opportunity to exchange ideas with other students Most students study part-time There is no upper age limit Many courses are degree-level but there are also a range of non-degree courses All courses are taught in English so if English is not your first language you may need to allow extra time for your studies The OU has a good reputation for the quality of its teaching. Most British Universities accept OU credits for entry onto later years of their own courses
How do I find out about Open University Courses?
Go to open.ac.uk for general information about the OU and to view the online prospectus Most local libraries will also have the OU prospectus The OU hold events around the country where you can talk to OU staff. Go to the OU website ‘Events near you’’ page to search for a local event To sample some of the learning materials used by the OU go to the ‘Online study resources’ page of the OU website
How do I register for Open University Courses?
You should register well before the closing date for the course you are interested in. This allows a tutor to be allocated and course materials to be sent out in plenty of time You can register on the OU website - open.ac.uk Or you can register by phone — 0845 300 60 90 The Student Registration & Enquiry Service can help with questions you have about: choosing courses; career implications; preparation; study arrangements;tutorial support or financial help.
Where can I get Advice about studying?
Click here for more advice |