Gateway after BTEA?

I exited a BTEA technology course in September (it was due to finish in October but my work placement was finished early due to me being a little naughty). Can I do the Gateway thing or is it too soon? I honestly want to do Gateway (no signing on, trips to the post office etc) so I'm hoping that naff FETAC course won't disqualify me.

Cheers!

Balagan

To be eligible to participate in the Gateway scheme you must:

Have been continuously unemployed for at least 24 months and "signing on" on a full-time basis; and
Have been receiving a jobseeker's payment (Jobseeker's Benefit or Jobseeker's Allowance) from the Department of Social Protection for at least 24 months; and
Be currently receiving Jobseeker's Allowance.
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/employment/unemployment_and_redundancy/employment_support_schemes/gateway_scheme.html

Yup saw that....so I take it having been on a BTEA course that means I fail the "Have been continuously unemployed for at least 24 months and "signing on" on a full-time basis" part? Is that a hard and fast rule that I'm disqualified? Any exceptions?

kissmequick

I would say ask anyway. If you genuinely want to do something and not sit on your backside and can show that it'll help your cause and gain experience from it and help ya become more employable it might go in favour.