Question: A friend of mine felt that taking some vocational training as evening
classes would be a way of enhancing his opportunities (at 52) to get back to
work
Some excellent courses were advertised in a local paper at a local college
which also said that "The college offers free tuition ot students enrolling
on most examination and certificate courses who are unemployed and/or in
receipt of certain state benefits". So he got in touch to book a place on 3
evening classes relating to Health & Safety. To be told that he couldn't get
_any_ discount at all on these courses, but he could get 50% discount if he
took a language course such as "Conversational German".
After much digging found out that courses are funded by the FEFC
(Further Education Finance Council) who have stipulated that only courses
that are for in of excess of something like 25 hours will get full or
partial
funding !
So where has all the money gone to provide true vocational training ?
How do those who need vocational training get it when out of work even
though it will enhance their chances of getting employment ?
Anyone out there with experience of this ?
Answer: I was unemployed at 52 and got a 50% reduction on a FAETC (Further & Adult
Education Teaching Certificate) course. After 18 months (2 hours a week for
52 sessions plus course work, monitored teaching sessions and all the rest)
I had passed Stages 1 & 2 with flying colours. At the passing out ceremony
the Vice Principal of the college I attended came in and told us he was
sacking (retiring and not hiring) any tutors over 40.
The certificate did allow me to hawk my considerable business and other
experience around and I got some (very) part-time lecturing work. It's main
value was the improvement in my confidence and self-esteem. I still do some
lecturing for community education courses on antiques.
More details on my website at www.deepings.com/cornucopia
