Government withdraw funding for over 19's for 2330 c&g

[OllieNotts]

Hi all, had a phone call this morning from the head of construction at my local college where I am supposed to start my course this week and the funding I was initially granted has been withdrawn They now want £1000 fir the course(1 year full time) as opposed to £2225 which is what it should be. I gave up a permanent job on the basis I get the first year free and took on agency work driving HGV to see me through but due to unforeseen circumstances I don't have the £250 a month needed to start the course. I have been asked to meet with the head to discuss and see what we can come up with.
What should I expect? I'm a little annoyed as obviously I've given up security to even do the course but would not of took the risk unless I'd of had monies ready which I now don't. The fact I've had to magic £800 out of thin air for something beyond my control the last two weeks means I'm basically skint, and with 5 mouths to feed I'm getting a bad feeling about wether I should take even more risks with them being the ones who probably will miss out now.
So a little warning for anyone else in my situation, make sure you're prepared for the worst.
Confused.com

 

[topquark]

Have you been able to validate that from somewhere other than the college, it wouldn't surprise me. It doesn't make much sense though given that school leaving age will soon be 18!

 

[OllieNotts]

I can't find anything on the net, I only enrolled last week and it was ok then it seems drastic to withdraw it so late in the day so to speak. Left me in the **** big time

 

[topquark]

On digging around a bit, it may be that funding has been withdrawn for the course (source from the second link). Is it possible that funding is available for 2356 and 2357?

I'd suggest a nose around here: Publications | BIS

Not sure how old this is: Financial support for further education students (19+): Further Education: Money and Funding: Advice: www.nus.org.uk

 

[topquark]

May be worth an email to the skills funding agency, maybe they can shed some light on the matter:

Skills Funding Agency - About us - Contact us - Complaints - Complaints

 

[OllieNotts]

Thanks, I think at this point though whatever I kook into it won't change my position. And I think he said the funding has been withdrawn from all electrical and plumbing courses sorry I didn't make it clear, he offered to find me something else but I wouldn't know where to start as I have wanted to be a spark for years nothing else stood out. I think I'll have to see what he says and I'll then know if my dreams are dashed.

 

[topquark]

Still worth an email, or maybe call a couple of other colleges and see if the story is consistent. It seems a bit daft given that the courses are just about to start. It could just be that they don't have enough people to run the courses, or they've had a change of direction for the college.

 

[OllieNotts]

Well he still wants me to keep my place so he suggested we meet and I quote 'meet half way' so while it appears he's trying to help me I just don't have any disposable money right now. Had I of known this 2 months ago I could at least had my first payment ready and probably more but for now I'm in limbo and as it stands won't be going in. I've tried to ring and text as I'm done early today but I'm waiting for a return call and will be late tomorrow not leaving any time to get it sorted. Not feeling very positive to say the least.

 

[OllieNotts]

Just to update, 12 of us had our funding taken off us by the government. They only took this away from elec and plumb courses though. Never mind, had a look at the figures and took the hit as I am looking at long term gain and getting away from 60-70 hour weeks driving lorries. Also signed up to a free DJ course to Really looking forward to getting stuck in on tuesday and getting started with it all.
One thing I am surprised at is the "quality" or dare I say lack of it on the course(the other members), I am sure most were quiet as it was their first day as I was to. But I can already see a few who dont want to be there, just seems a waste when someone who really wants to be there might not of been offered a place. Suppose thats life though eh? Some were moaning because "I dont wanna work 0900-1630 man thats loonnggg" ffs give me stregth!!

 

[topquark]

Glad you've stuck with it, best of luck!

 

[OllieNotts]

Thanks, I'm gonna need it. Got a villa booked in Ibiza in June and will only have it finished if the group are fast enough to keep up pace or else it will be July. I want to be able to relax and have a good time knowing I've past and not be dreading exams after a 10 day bender :-D

 

[Guest 004]

and getting away from 60-70 hour weeks driving lorries.

Had 6 days off since easter, and now working 76 hours a week to make a living!

when the rate was good a few years back, could not get overtime....
Now the rate is ****, there has been overtime on every firm I worked this year!!!

 

[brucelee]

Hi mate

the funding was pulled from march 31st

the 2330 last registration was 31.3.11 the torys slashed all funding and C&G extended the registration of 2330 and 2356 until 31.7.12 but all funding gone apart from 18yr apprentices

this happened to me and a full class of lv2 that had been fast tracked onto lv3 to enrol before march they had been on the course from before march but ended up back on lv2 and all fees returned I turned up to start the course and found out there was no lv3 course until sept now
and then toldi would have to pay full feesi went and seen a nice lady and she discussed with a director of the college and as a result was lucky thanks to a nice lady at the college and only had to pay what i was originally paying

the C&G are a joke and so are the governments policies

good luck mate you deserve to be on the course and it shouldnt have to cost you the earth
they are a joke leaving it until now to tell you this happened months ago

 

[piratebillybob]

i did the 2330 level 2 and 3, and im a mature student. What happened to me was that i went back to college got all distinctions then found out there just werent any apprenticeships available at the end of it This was partly because i was over 25 I received no government funding for my NVQ apprenticeship (19-25 year olds get half funding) which meant that any company taking me on for an apprenticeship would have to pay for the NVQ etc. I would imagine youll be in the same boat. ive been very lucky to get an apprenticeship with a national company but dont think just because you do well with your courses youll become a sparky. i would strongly suggest you start looking to be a sparkys mate now and work on your days off or start looking for an apprenticeship now with either local or national companies (the nationals start accepting applicants in january) another guy who also got all distinctions in his 2330 level 3 and achieved part p, regs, 2392, pat testing is still looking for an apprenticeship after 15 months i just cant stress enough how tough it is getting an apprenticeship, and if i hadnt have got this job its more than likely those 2 years at college would have been a waste. I honestly think the national companies (or maybe even the armed forces) really are the best way to go for apprenticeships, and they also give a more likely chance that youll be protected from a downturn in the economy. Dont mean to be negative, but it just sucks to see people trying to work hard to make a better life for themselves go nowhere