BTEA - Already completed a Diploma (Self Funded)

Nedved85

Hi there,

I recently lost my job as a Civil Engineer and im looking to move away from that area into the IT sector.

Im currently receiving social welfare payments.

My first choice is to complete a Masters in UCD.

However, there are a few diplomas out there that lead onto a masters (If good results are achieved) and the "back to education allowance (BTEA)" allows certain candidates to maintain the equivalent of the social welfare payments whilst attending approved full time diploma courses.

My problem is:

I have already completed a diploma (Civil Engineering related) which i funded myself whilst working. I have been reading online that the BTEA does not apply if a candidate already has a diploma.

I'm assuming that they mean that a candidate cant receive BTEA over two diploma courses?

Any advice would be appreciated

(Apologies if this is posted in the wrong section)

Annasopra

I don't think you'll be eligible. You have to be progressing to be eligible. Also you don't get BTEA for masters.

1.10 Progression in education course
The approved full-time education course must
lead to a higher qualification on the National
Framework of Qualifications other than that
already held. It is not considered that existing
graduates should have an entitlement to BTEA
to pursue a course at a similar qualification level
as, inter alia, this can lead to displacement of
persons seeking such qualifications for the first
time. Reference should be made to the National
Framework of Qualifications (see appendix 3 )
e.g. If a person holds a Fetac level 5
qualification, they must be progressing to a
level 6 qualification.

Nedved85

My point is that im moving away from a sector of work that is redundant and will be so for quiet a time (Civil Engineering) and im trying to move across to a sector that offers a far better chance of a job should i obtain a masters (By doing a one year diploma follwed by a one year masters).

I would have thought they do not want people doing diploma followed by diploma and maintaining their benefits each week.

Guess ill go meet them and see what they say.

Annasopra

Nedved85 wrote: »

My point is that im moving away from a sector of work that is redundant and will be so for quiet a time (Civil Engineering) and im trying to move across to a sector that offers a far better chance of a job should i obtain a masters (By doing a one year diploma follwed by a one year masters).

I would have thought they do not want people doing diploma followed by diploma and maintaining their benefits each week.

Guess ill go meet them and see what they say.

I get your point - I just don't see the Social Welfare giving you BTEA because of their stated rules

Nedved85

mango salsa wrote: »

I get your point - I just don't see the Social Welfare giving you BTEA because of their stated rules

Your probably right - but sure ill see what happens,

Thanks