Back to Education

dani27

Hi All

I did a MA and a Degree, along with a FETAC course. I also have done two jobbridges and a CE scheme. None of these have resulted in me getting work.
I have decided to go back to college to do something in childcare and I was wondering if I'd be able to get the dole to pay for my course and receive the back to education (as I am eligible for this)

Thanks a million

Dani

cee_jay

For BTEA you need to be progressing up the qualification ladder. As you already have a MA (and BTEA is only for quals up to Level 8), you wouldn't be entitled to BTEA.

MouseTail

cee_jay wrote: »

For BTEA you need to be progressing up the qualification ladder. As you already have a MA (and BTEA is only for quals up to Level 8), you wouldn't be entitled to BTEA.

This changed slightly from 1st June. You can now do a level 5 or 6 and get BTEA, even if you are not progressing.

dani27

MouseTail wrote: »

This changed slightly from 1st June. You can now do a level 5 or 6 and get BTEA, even if you are not progressing.

Are you sure? That would be fantastic if it were true? So in theory my course would be paid for and I'd get the dole aswell?
I went into FAS today and she showed me a course I could do for free, and that I'd still get the dole. It's really not the one I want. However if the above is true it would make my day. I am just confused by what she told me in the FAS. I can do a FETAC level 5 and keep the dole but I can't get back to education??

But if it's changed I am delighted

marvin_spazz

well even if they changed it to let u drop down levels you still maybe liable for fees.

you need to apply for a fee grant seperately to btea and there rules are you once you have been to college you cannot get fees paid again.

dani27

I never got any courses paid for me before by the dole so I should be eligible. SO accoeding to the lady in FAS the course she wants to send me on is free and I could still claim the dole. however as I found out today I can do the one I really want to and ask fas to pay for it while claiming the back to education.

MouseTail

dani27 wrote: »

Are you sure? That would be fantastic if it were true? So in theory my course would be paid for and I'd get the dole aswell?
I went into FAS today and she showed me a course I could do for free, and that I'd still get the dole. It's really not the one I want. However if the above is true it would make my day. I am just confused by what she told me in the FAS. I can do a FETAC level 5 and keep the dole but I can't get back to education??

But if it's changed I am delighted

Yes, I'm sure. https://www.welfare.ie/en/pressoffice/Pages/pr150514.aspx

However, as stated above, dependent on the course, your fees might not be paid, and it will need to be an approved course in order to get BTEA.

Balagan

MouseTail wrote: »

This changed slightly from 1st June. You can now do a level 5 or 6 and get BTEA, even if you are not progressing.

That is true. If you have, at most, a Level 5 or 6 already, you will, under the amended rules, be able to apply for BTEA for similar or higher levels. But someone with an MA already is, as already advised here, not eligible for BTEA for a Level 5 or 6 course.

dani27

So I won't get the back to education? Even with the amended rules? Am confused now

cee_jay

From the link quoted above:

Applicants who already hold a Level 5 or 6 qualification under the National Framework of Qualifications will now be allowed to undertake further courses of study at either of these levels to further their professional/career development and their overall job prospects;

This new rule is only if you only hold a level 5/6 already. As you have a MA, this rule wouldn't apply.

Also from the BTEA guidelines, it states

You will not get BTEA if you already have a postgraduate qualification.

dani27

I found out I can do a Solas Course and still do a fetac level 5 course. I'll give it a go and hopefully something will come of it It will keep me from climbing the walls anyway.