Does the UK have something similar to FAS?

C

colc1

Registered User
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I was wondering if anyone knows if the UK has anything similar to FAS as I am moving over for a career break and interested in studying something there but dont want to live off nothing : ) I also think it would be a good way to meet new people in the area I will be living in,

thanks in advance,

C
 
Thanks for that the problem seems to be you have to be under 24 (which I am not unfortunately ) there do appear to be adult learning grants does anyone know how these work in the UK?

thanks

C
 
Check out [broken link removed]
Note that local authority run colleges often run courses at a discount if you live in that borough.

If you are looking for online training, try here:
[broken link removed]
 
colc1,

When I moved here, I went to the local JobCentre to enquire about signing on (for credits). I was given a phone number to call, to make an appointment. Had to wait about 3 weeks for this, but in meantime received in the post the 'form' to be completed before or at the interview. This was (if I recall) over 20 pages long - more like a booklet! It was difficult to complete, because the questions were designed for UK residents, not for a former self-employed person arriving from Ireland. Even the JobCentre staff had problems answering some of the questions.

You might also check out LearnDirect. They offer "hundreds of online courses in computers, office skills, self development ..., designed so that you can learn at a time and pace to suit your needs. Information on our network of over 1,350 learndirect centres to help you with your local learning needs". I understand some basic courses are free, but you pay for others.

I'm attending a local college where I'm doing an ECDL course. The cost is subsidised, at £80. It is self-learning based, I can attend whatever hours suit me, and have one year to complete all modules. Attendees range from 20 to 70 years of age. Best to check with your local college.

I'm in my 50s, and find it difficult to find work - mainly because my skills are dated. While looking for work, voluntary work may be worth considering.

Before you leave, you may be interested in looking here: , and their page, for relevant information. Depending on your age, you may be concerned about pension contributions (PRSI) Leaving Ireland and your social security entitlements.

What area will you look for work in?

Will you bring your car with you?
If so, there are some things you should know.

James
 

Thanks for alll your help James and everyone else. TO answer your question I wont be bringing a car and I will be in the North West. Did you have any problems claiming social welfare while job hunting? Is it like here when they try everything to make things as difficult as possible for you (well thats my experience and family and friends too anyway)?

What is the level of social welfare (dole equivalent) in England at the moment do you/anyone else know(I am just thinking if it takes me a while to get a job/start a course (which will be what I plan to do, as its a good way to meet some people and learn something new).

I think I'll study in a college as opposed to distance learning from the social point of view. I was looking at some of the travel courses in the regional colleges in the north west as its something which interests me. thanks again for any help everybody!
 

colc1,

I didn't qualify for benefit, as (a) I have rental income (from Ireland), and (b) my partner works more than 16 hours per week (I believe that was the figure).

Sorry, I don't recall the benefit levels.

When you're living in the UK, you might find the articles and forums on this site useful for financial advice:


BTW, I pay £3 for a pint of Guinness, but I hear it's cheaper up North!

James
 

Thanks once again James, dont worry I was already aware of moneysavingexpert (M. Lewis) Everything is cheaper up north I think alright
 
I don't think you should relocate from Ireland to England without first ensuring you qualify for and have the personal qualities interviewers require for a particular training or area of employment.

The UK is in a very different economic phase to Ireland. Unemployment figures have been rising slowly but steadily in the past year. Since the present New Labour government came to power there has been a diminution of the manufacturing base (read your newspapers on the dire straits of the UK car industry for example), farming is in crisis, as is fishing. There are massive public-sector layoffs including hospital workers with many public-sector jobs 'frozen' through lack of finance. The social security payroll of the past two decades have practically bankrupted Britain.

Regarding training and education, you will find entry very competitive. That applies even to more basic qualifications such as NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) required for barwork, sandwich-bar assistant, computer operators etc. where you would usually be expected to procure unremunerated 'work-experience' with an appropriate employer whilst you train/study.

You must be unemployed for very good reason to claim 'benefit' here and you would find this is considerably less than that available in Ireland. You are ineligible for social security benefits if you are engaged in study in excess of 16 hours per week (2 working days).
 

Thanks for the advice Marie I was thinking of claiming benefit only while looking for a job and before starting a full time course, i.e. a couple of weeks at most and then looking for a part-time job while I study for pocket money really. I will look into the course and see what the competition is like thanks again, C
 
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