Involuntary Redundancy & BTEA

Hello all,

Hoping you can help me, I was made redundant on 1st Feb, and have been unable find a job since being let go. So I have been thinking about applying for a Masters Course in UL that commences in Sept, I currently posess a degree from LIT in IT which I got in 2006. I am currently on Jobseekers Benefit, can anyone possibly tell me if I am eligible for BTEA?

Thanks in advance

Chong

Don't think you can get BTEA if you have a degree already or for post-grads with the exception of teaching.

only hdip courses qualify for the 3rd-level option of the BTEA....the allowance is only for people who, despite having a degree, cannot get a job....the SW will support you on a hdip course, cos these are classified as "conversion courses" i.e. they will help you diversify your qualifications, thereby making you more employable and help you get off the dole.
masters are not covered as they are seen as furthering (as opposed to diversifying) your qualifications, and in the past the SW were afraid that the scheme would be abused by all and sundry.

However, in my view, the qualifying criteria is completely outdated and totally out of sync with the current climate....i mean, there are thousands of unemployed graduates out there at the moment who realistically, will not be going back into the workforce any time soon. wouldnt they be better off dong something useful in their spare time, be it hdip/postgrsd dip/masters or whatever? i mean, its not as if its going to cost the state anything extra if these people are already on the dole?

if you ask me, its just another ploy to discourage young people from staying in the country during an economic downturn...the governemnt would prefer if you boarded the first plane out of here rather than offer you any sort of support or assistance....and as soon as things start to pick up here again, theyll be trying to encourage emigrants to return to the country in order to boost the workforce....a continuous cycle really.

Hi,

I am made redundant, mature student 35+ currently hold a degree and masters, i want to do PGCE and am wondering what financial support I am entitled to? Also if I do this course fulltime with the open university can i still get my JB benefit or what is the story. Does the OU qualify for fees paid.
If aI do it thry belfast I need northern address - so does this affect my apllication for financial support?

any help approeciated.
Thanks