Springboard ICT Conversion Course and BTEA

changeur

Hi all,

Had a good search around the forum and couldn't find an answer to my question, so would be great if any of you guys had any experience of the following (and yes, I will ask at my local Intreo office next time I'm there!):

I'm interested in signing up to the next round (2016/17) of Springboard courses -- specifically an ICT conversion course (hopefully one of the H.Dips in Computing). My question is whether I will be entitled to BTEA whilst on the course (this is assuming I'm accepted in the first place).

The kicker is that I already have a Master's, albeit in a completely different discipline. The guidance for BTEA on the welfare.ie website is quite clear regarding this: someone with a postgraduate degree is not eligible for BTEA.

However, on the Springboard website it mentions how there is a 'bespoke' BTEA scheme for Springboard. Now, I was wondering if on this 'bespoke' version of the scheme the stipulation regarding a prior postgraduate degree still comes into play?

My argument would be that the whole idea is that it is a 'conversion' course for those wishing to change careers and so someone in my position should be eligible -- but maybe not!

I was wondering if perhaps there were people in similar situations for 2015/16 who have some experience they could share?

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

LegacyUser

Don't think your eligible for btea,pretty sure it only goes up to hdips and it needs to be a step up for you education wise ie undergrad to hdip,your not allowed on it if you already have a masters. As far as I know anyways I'm applying for two hdip courses and btea for this year been researching like crazy, I have an undergrad degree only though so should be eligible.

jemmett

changeur wrote: »

Hi all,

Had a good search around the forum and couldn't find an answer to my question, so would be great if any of you guys had any experience of the following (and yes, I will ask at my local Intreo office next time I'm there!):

I'm interested in signing up to the next round (2016/17) of Springboard courses -- specifically an ICT conversion course (hopefully one of the H.Dips in Computing). My question is whether I will be entitled to BTEA whilst on the course (this is assuming I'm accepted in the first place).

The kicker is that I already have a Master's, albeit in a completely different discipline. The guidance for BTEA on the welfare.ie website is quite clear regarding this: someone with a postgraduate degree is not eligible for BTEA.

However, on the Springboard website it mentions how there is a 'bespoke' BTEA scheme for Springboard. Now, I was wondering if on this 'bespoke' version of the scheme the stipulation regarding a prior postgraduate degree still comes into play?

My argument would be that the whole idea is that it is a 'conversion' course for those wishing to change careers and so someone in my position should be eligible -- but maybe not!

I was wondering if perhaps there were people in similar situations for 2015/16 who have some experience they could share?

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Pretty sure its a no sorry. Springboard BTEA follows the same criteria as regular BTEA. The highest qualification is hdip and you need to be below it to get BTEA. You could still apply for SUSI maintenance grants though.

eastbono

To the best of my knowledge Springboard are mostly part time courses and therefore come under the part time education option which means it doesnt matter what prior qualifications you have but check this out at your local office and also check out on the springboard site if this is a full time or part time course.

Just had a quick look at the course you are thinking of doing and tbh it looks like its a full time course and you probably wont qualify for BTEA but look just apply and see what happens.

jemmett

eastbono wrote: »

To the best of my knowledge Springboard are mostly part time courses and therefore come under the part time education option which means it doesnt matter what prior qualifications you have but check this out at your local office and also check out on the springboard site if this is a full time or part time course.

PTEO and BTEA have different criteria yeah. The poster was asking about BTEA but and that's for full time courses. I myself am applying for BTEA for a full time computing hdip through springboard.

eastbono

PTEO and BTEA have different criteria. With Springboard the OP wouldnt qualify for susi grant as that would only be through CAO system.

jemmett

eastbono wrote: »

PTEO and BTEA have different criteria. With Springboard the OP wouldnt qualify for susi grant as that would only be through CAO system.

You can apply for a maintenance and fee grant if your doing a hdip and they don't apply through CAO. I can't share a link because im a new user but its on citizensinformation site under back to education explaining what you can do if you don't get BTEA.

simonsez

jemmett wrote: »

PTEO and BTEA have different criteria yeah. The poster was asking about BTEA but and that's for full time courses. I myself am applying for BTEA for a full time computing hdip through springboard.

Hi Jemmet,

HDip ICT conversion, got accepted. Just handed in my SPRINGBOARD BTEA form today at the local DSP.

Any idea J, how long it takes to find out if an applicant is actually eligible for the BTEA?

Thanks in advance.

simonsez

changeur wrote: »

Hi all,

Had a good search around the forum and couldn't find an answer to my question, so would be great if any of you guys had any experience of the following (and yes, I will ask at my local Intreo office next time I'm there!):

I'm interested in signing up to the next round (2016/17) of Springboard courses -- specifically an ICT conversion course (hopefully one of the H.Dips in Computing). My question is whether I will be entitled to BTEA whilst on the course (this is assuming I'm accepted in the first place).

The kicker is that I already have a Master's, albeit in a completely different discipline. The guidance for BTEA on the welfare.ie website is quite clear regarding this: someone with a postgraduate degree is not eligible for BTEA.

However, on the Springboard website it mentions how there is a 'bespoke' BTEA scheme for Springboard. Now, I was wondering if on this 'bespoke' version of the scheme the stipulation regarding a prior postgraduate degree still comes into play?

My argument would be that the whole idea is that it is a 'conversion' course for those wishing to change careers and so someone in my position should be eligible -- but maybe not!

I was wondering if perhaps there were people in similar situations for 2015/16 who have some experience they could share?

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

I think the only exception would be a Masters in Education, the old Hdip in Education for teacher training.

jemmett

Simonsez

Hi congratz on getting the course! I only just had an interview for one in galway today so I havent applied for BTEA yet. You can check now if your eligible on welfare.ie just type in btea eligiblilty. I'm fairly certain Ill get it from those guidelines its just a matter of applying when/or if I get the course

simonsez

jemmett wrote: »

Simonsez

Hi congratz on getting the course! I only just had an interview for one in galway today so I havent applied for BTEA yet. You can check now if your eligible on welfare.ie just type in btea eligiblilty. I'm fairly certain Ill get it from those guidelines its just a matter of applying when/or if I get the course

Thanks . Just looking through the DOSP site now...........

http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/thirdleveloption.aspx

HDip third level option......................

Postgraduate courses
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. Other types of postgraduate qualifications are not recognised for BTEA. You must be at least 24 years of age to be eligible for BTEA to attend for a third-level postgraduate course.
You will not get BTEA if you already have a postgraduate qualification

Qualifying social welfare payments

Jobseeker's Allowance or Jobseeker's Benefit
Jobseekers transition payment
Farm Assist
One-Parent Family Payment
Deserted Wife's Benefit or Allowance
Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) Pension
Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Non-Contributory) Pension
Prisoners Wife's Allowance
Carer's Allowance
Illness Benefit (2 years)
Qualifying period

For third level courses you must have been getting a qualifying social welfare payment (see above) for 9 months (234 days of unemployment*)immediately before you start the course.


Ok............it seems that I tick the boxes.

pokkii

Hey guys sorry to butt in but I was wondering if anyone else here could provide some insight into this, I have been accepted for a 1 year full time Hdip through Springboard, its an ICT skills conversion course.

I went to my DSP to ask for the BTEA form but they didn't (and won't) give it to me. Apparently Springboard courses whether part-time or full-time are not eligible for BTEA and you must apply through PTEO (part-time education option). I told them that my course was not part-time, its full-time and they told me it doesn't matter because all Springboard courses are through PTEO??
So I was wondering is it possible to apply for the BTEA online or download a form as I am getting nowhere with them and I can only do this course if I'm eligible for BTEA?

Thanks a million

jemmett

hi pokkii

I cant send links here but if you look in springboards faq or the eligibility part for ict conversion courses they have their own separate back to education form you can print and if they dont take that off you call their supervisor.

myappeal

Hi changeur,

Sorry if this seems a silly question, but have you tried contacting the Springboard Helpline - 1800 303 523.

Some of the feedback I have come across has been very positive for the clarification and information they have provided to others on issues like this.

Regards,

simonsez

Hi

PTEO form is for Part time.

I am also to 1 year Hdip SPRINGBOARD Full time course so you are correct you need a BTEA form.

All the best

SS

trafficlight

Hi Changeur, how are you.

I just seen this thread and coincidently I am looking myself to do a conversion course in IT this year. I have come across the one with WIT (HDIP in Science in Computing) and am wondering how was the course you did. was it worth it - was it time consuming, how was the content, was it doable etc... did you find it was a good qualification to have after.

Another option I have been looking at on Springboard is https://springboardcourses.ie/details/7149

would you or anyone else have any recommendations etc

Thanks