Should I pursue college again (mid life crisis!)

mikeltuam2010

Ok, so I have been an engineer for 7 years and feel it is time to pursue a different career.

I would love to go back to college to become a teacher. But what are my options?

Unfortunately, I never progressed salary wise within the 7 years I have been employed, in fact I earn less now than when I started.

I am considering asking for redundancy and if successful was wondering what my options are for returning to college. I currently hold a level 8 degree in civil engineering. I understand that if I am on social for 9 months that I may be able to apply for BTEA, work part time and also apply for the grant. Is this still the case or have the rules changed? I know previous employees have successfully done this, but also that there have been changes to the qualifying criteria for BTEA since Jan 2013. Has anyone had any recent or similar experience?

Annasopra

But if you have a level 8 degree what are you hoping to go back and do?

If you already have a level 8 you wont get btea or a grant to do a level 8 again.

kaki

Yeah, it would be a lot of time money and effort to do a new undergraduate degree, aside from the ineligibility for a grant or BTEA as you're not progressing up the ladder (Level 6 -> 7 -> 8 -> 9 etc...)

What about progression e.g. completing a postgraduate course to qualify as a teacher? I am unsure as to the exact subject requirements, but would imagine that your civil engineering degree contained a significant portion of Maths and Physics for example which could allow you to teach these subjects upon completion of a suitable postgrad.

Lots of good information here on Teacher Training in Ireland.

valor rorghulis

I'm in a similar situation as OP

Currently working, not great money (<30k) so can't afford to save for fees/accommodation etc but have a science degree. Would I qualify for any kind of grant if I went back to do a teaching postgraduate?

valor rorghulis

I'm in a similar situation as OP

Currently working, not great money (<30k) so can't afford to save for fees/accommodation etc but have a science degree. Would I qualify for any kind of grant if I went back to do a teaching postgraduate?

Annasopra

You can get the Back to Education Allowance for a postgraduate course of study that leads to a Higher Diploma (H.Dip.) qualification in any discipline or a Professional Masters in Education.

But to get that you have to be eligible for btea - ie receiving unemployment assistance for 234 days.

Its possible to get a postgrad grant for fees only of 2000 or 6270 if you meet the requirements of income under 22000


Also third level fees are eligible for tax back so if you are working you can claim back or if your spouse or partner or parent is working and pays your fees they can claim tax back