Going from a level 8 to a level 5

puma90

Hi, just wondering if someone can help me out. I have already completed a Level 8 degree in college. I now want to do a Level 5 course n childcare and am currently getin job seekers allowance. I knw i wont get btea because im Not goin up in the fetac Level. Just wondering is there any other grant i Could possibly get

amandaf675

the rules for BTEA have changed, its up to the individual case worker now whether you get it! Could always apply anyway! They are allowing people to complete lower degree courses now

WestportCFE

amandaf675 wrote: »

the rules for BTEA have changed, its up to the individual case worker now whether you get it! Could always apply anyway! They are allowing people to complete lower degree courses now

This is not true

taraniluanaigh

Technically it is true. I applied for BTEA and was refused because the course I am going to do is Level 5 and I already hold a Level 6 Certificate. The new rules came in this July and allowed leniency on this. When I appealed on the grounds of the new rules I was told that they only apply to people who have been out of college for five or more years. I have only been out since 2012.

puma90

Oh rite same as I left n 2012 too, Ill just have to ask someone Who does know for sure

WestportCFE

taraniluanaigh wrote: »

Technically it is true. I applied for BTEA and was refused because the course I am going to do is Level 5 and I already hold a Level 6 Certificate. The new rules came in this July and allowed leniency on this. When I appealed on the grounds of the new rules I was told that they only apply to people who have been out of college for five or more years. I have only been out since 2012.

The rules allow you to do another level 5 after being out for 3 years. You can not go back down a level after doing a 6, 7 or 8. So you cannot go from 8 to 5 or from 7 to 5 or from 6 to 5. You cannot do 2 level 6's.

The press release is not a complete document the stuff I mentioned above is in the fine print.

taraniluanaigh

Here is an explanation of the new rule.


From June 2014, BTEA can be approved for a person who already holds a Level 5 or 6 qualification under the National Framework of Qualifications to undertake a course at the same level. This change in the progression rule only applies in certain limited circumstances to second level courses at level 5 & 6. A recommendation to allow a person to undertake a further course of study at the same level must be approved by a Case Officer outlining the basis of the recommendation in terms of further professional/career development and their overall job prospects. A person holding a level 7 qualification is not eligible for BTEA to complete a level 5 or 6 qualification. Among the criteria to be assessed by the Case officer is that BTEA eligibility criteria are satisfied, the L5 or L6 course is at second level, the previous educational award is deemed to be in an economic sector that is no longer growing, the new course is career orientated and consistent with future skills needs and/or local demand, the maximum course duration is 24 months, the applicant worked for a period of at least three years in this State before becoming unemployed and has paid PRSI contributions in the State and the previous award was made 3 or more years previously in February of the year of application.

The Friendly Newcomer

I have done one year in a level 8 course but now I want to do a FETAC level 5 course instead. Will I be eligible for Back to Education Allowance seeing as though I don't hold a higher level degree?