Government funding or lack of it!

[MobileKat]

I have just achieved my NVQ Level 2 in Gents Barbering and I will be finishing my NVQ Level 2 in Ladies Hairdressing on 9th July 2011.

I am a good student, I have been given the Student of the year award for 2 years running.

For both Level 2 qualifications I didnt have to pay due to being on a low income. My circumstances have not changed. (I cannot work as I am a carer for my mother in law who is in the late stages of alzheimers). My husband does work.

I have applied for Level 3 in both Gents and Ladies, however I have been informed that because I am over the age of 25 (I am 29) I will not be funded for these courses. The Low Income is irrelevent.
I feel as though I am being discriminated against due to my age.

I am desperate to do these qualifications as they are essential in order for me to achieve my long term goals. After completing my Level 3 qualifications I will then be doing a teaching qualification.
This is my future goal, I want to pass my enthusiasm for hairdressing onto future generations.

I feel as though I am being discriminated against due to my age and status.
If I was receiving Income support, I would receive the courses free.

The majority of the applicants are under the age 25. This age group will get the courses free but after speaking to tutors at college it has come to my attention that this age group are more likely to drop out of or fail the course, this means that the government are funding applicants that are likely to fail therfore wasting essential government funding that could be better used by a person like myself.

I am not the only person in this situation.

I have looked at the government website regarding student loans but the courses that I want to do not qualify for student loans.

I have wrote to our Local MP and the Governors of the college to see if they can offer any help.

Any ideas as to what else I can do? or where I can get any more help?

Thanks

Katrina xxxx

 

[eskimonailtech]

Perhaps it's time you found a care facility for your mother in law so you can go work for a year while you save up money. I don't know what sort of things they offer for seniors in the way of long-term care facilities, but I'm sure there is something you could work out.

 

[Kirstie-b]

I hate to be all negative and such, but I don't think being low income is a reason for recieving schooling for free. I paid for all of mine which amounted to almost $20,000 CAD.

Sometimes when you can't do something for WHATEVER reason it may be, IE illness, lack of funding, lack of whatever, you need to take a step back and decide what your priorities are.

Perhaps it's time you found a care facility for your mother in law so you can go work for a year while you save up money. I don't know what sort of things they offer for seniors in the way of long-term care facilities, but I'm sure there is something. My mother took care of my Grandmother with dementia for the final years of her life whilst working a full-time job. You can too.

It really gets on my nerves when people complain about things like this. You are not owed anything, nor are you entitled to anything either. If you really want it, you will WORK for it, not just sit on your computer typing up letters to people wondering why you can't just be given things in life for free. And in response to your qualm about the age-ism thing, it sounds to me like they expect you to be able to figure out how to pay your way at 29 years of age. Which you should be able to do. Unless you're an orphan in Africa, then I take back everything I just said.

I think this response is too harsh. You don't know the situation enough to start criticising.

 

[eskimonailtech]

I think this response is too harsh. You don't know the situation enough to start criticising.

I edited my post so as not to offend those who are sensitive. you're welcome.

 

[Diana-Jane]

I don't think it matters what age you are, we all experience differing income/outgoing expenses throughout our lives. Stating that someone of 29 should be in control if their finances is frankly offensive.
I feel a bit annoyed at college that the younger girls who live with their parents get the course & equipment funded and I get no help even though I have my own home and kids to look after. I'm lucky enough to have my husband to help support me financially but it's tough going at times.
Take a step back and think about whether or not you can afford to fund your college place for a year or so, and if not maybe the stress it would cause isn't worth it at the moment with everything else you have on your plate. I'm an older student so I understand the feeling of just wanting to qualify as soon as possible but not if its to the detriment of your family life. Stay positive!


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[eskimonailtech]

Certainly not trying to be offensive. Merely pointing out why that rule might be in place. But if the age limit was 30, someone else would be upset. Rules have to apply at some point.

 

[jacquelineanna]

I think this response is too harsh. You don't know the situation enough to start criticising.

Eskimonailtech took the information provided regarding the OP's situation and gave her opinion which is what was requested.

Not all responses will be soft and fluffy.

Although I opened my eyes a little wider as I read her response she actually has some valid points.

There are lots of things I would like to train in but can't afford to at the moment, that's how it is for anyone over the age limit.

That our education is free up to a certain age is an amazing thing and that it is free until a further age if you are on a low income is brilliant. But the age limit has to be set somewhere and 25 is probably correct.

26 and over you are heading towards being a rounded adult who has to take responsibility for oneself and find one's own way.

I've read loads of posts on this forum from mainly mobile therapists who have to save up to buy themselves a Minx lamp or Shellac training!

So I think I agree with Eskimonailtech that the OP needs to look at other ways she can save the money up to continue with her training.

Jacqui xx

 

[Lovebeauty14]

Bless it is really unfair but the chances of the government extending the age limit IMO is pretty slim in the current climate. I think they are more likely to reduce the age further than up it. I think you really are stuck between a rock and a hard place as you can't not care for her but while you are doing the caring you can't work for the funds to pay for your NVQ3. Is there no way to do an open university thingy with hairdressing? Excuse me if there isn't I'm a nail and beauty geek so my knowledge of hair NVQ's is very limited!

 

[Diana-Jane]

What part of suggesting a close family member in the late stages of an incurable illness be put in a care facility, was not meant to be offensive?

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[jacquelineanna]

OK, while I was composing my response Eskimonailtech has removed most of the text from her post.

My post will now not make so much sense as it seems as if i am supporting the little bit of text she has left behind.

In fact most of my response was kind of supporting a lot of the OTHER valid points she had made.

Jacqui xx

 

[eskimonailtech]

What part of suggesting a close family member in the late stages of an incurable illness be put in a care facility, was not meant to be offensive?

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Perhaps the care facilities you have seen are not similar to the ones here? They are fantastic here. Constant nurse care, daily activities, round the clock emergency care, support groups, therapy.

I'm no longer going to defend my post to everyone who misreads and misinterprets it because I stand by what I originally said and if you look in the biz section, i'm not the only geek who thinks so.

 

[MobileKat]

Perhaps it's time you found a care facility for your mother in law so you can go work for a year while you save up money. I don't know what sort of things they offer for seniors in the way of long-term care facilities, but I'm sure there is something you could work out.

Unfortunately, Its not my place to make that decision, my mother-in-law is 75 and is still at home with her husband who is 79, he is extremely reluctant to send her to a care home. Tbh that is the last thing that he wants and who am I to judge.

 

[MobileKat]

I think this response is too harsh. You don't know the situation enough to start criticising.

Thank You Kirstie B xxxx

 

[MobileKat]

I edited my post so as not to offend those who are sensitive. you're welcome.

Unfortunately eskimonailtech, I could still read your post as Kirstie B had quoted it. What you wrote is your opinion and I thank you for that, however, you do not know my full situation and I am not prepared to tell it to all and sundry. Its all well and good that your mother cared for your grandmother whilst working full time, however all situations are different and unfortunately it would be impossible for me to work part time let alone full time.

I agree with Kirstie B, your response was too harsh.

 

[persianista]

Am gonna stand up for Eskimotech here. I agreed with the original post.

When my late Father had end stage terminal cancer, should I have come on here and moaned that I couldn't do the things I wanted to do, as so much time was taken up with Dad, and I needed to be nearby for when the inevitable "phone call to come now" happened? Sometimes life happens, and it's not great, but it is our duty to deal with.

All those in favour of lifelong free education for everyone? Maybe you could all chip in and pay for the OP's level 3. I know that I am not willing to subsidise another adult to do courses (apart from my own employees). Icannot see that adults will ever have the right to as many free vocational courses as they want. Limited resources should surely be given to the young. The OP had the same entitlements at 16 and 18 as everyone else. The fact that she didn't use them at that time is not really societies problem.

 

[Terese]

OK
There are 2 issues here going on

Lets just deal with the relevant question shall we??

Life is difficult at the best of times and its even more difficult when we want to desparatley be doing something we want to but it seems to be out of reach.

I understand your frustration at courses being funded for the under 25's my daughter is doing her level 3 in sept - shes due to complete her level 2 at the end of this accademic year to like you. We still have to pay her fees like we did for level 2 and the kit and the days away, uniform etc. These under 25s are going to find it the hardest to get any jobs any where with the kind of work ethos and work climate we have had over the last 3-4 years, money is being invested in young people because they are our future.

Have you thought about applying for an apprenticeship? there is money available for employers through this route at the moment.If you wrote to a few hairdressers saying you are nvq2 trained and want your level 3 with their help - you never know if you dont ask.

Getting a job and saving would be another idea too, surely you could work 15 hrs or so around your other commitments - care work would be good and if you can drive you should receive around 8-9£ an hour for home care. Enabling you to save up.

Also, some colleges will stagger payments and I dont think that hairdressing is every day of the week maybe 1 or 2 over the whole accademic year?

If you want this so badly there is always a way - depends if you really are hungry enough to do everything possible

Good luck - im sure it will work out just fine for you

 

[MobileKat]

I don't think it matters what age you are, we all experience differing income/outgoing expenses throughout our lives. Stating that someone of 29 should be in control if their finances is frankly offensive.
I feel a bit annoyed at college that the younger girls who live with their parents get the course & equipment funded and I get no help even though I have my own home and kids to look after. I'm lucky enough to have my husband to help support me financially but it's tough going at times.
Take a step back and think about whether or not you can afford to fund your college place for a year or so, and if not maybe the stress it would cause isn't worth it at the moment with everything else you have on your plate. I'm an older student so I understand the feeling of just wanting to qualify as soon as possible but not if its to the detriment of your family life. Stay positive!


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thankyou deebaneenee,

Its really frustrating, I too am supported by my husband, but due to his line of work, from november-march he is very quiet. These are the months that we would find difficult financially. We could manage but it would be a real struggle. Its just so frustrating thinking that there will be students on the course who are frankly taking the michael. I think the funding should be given to those with a proven track record and not based entirely on age.
What is frustrating is that if I hadnt put off starting the course (due to my mother in laws illness) I would of completed level 2 two years ago and been eligible for funding last year to start my Level 3. Aaaarrrggghhh!!!!
The government has only recently changed the age for funding to 25 and under otherwise everybody was entitled to their 1st Level 3 Free xxx

 

[Miss Hair]

I'm sorry but I got really annoyed when I read this! You have already had free education paid for by the government and I don't see how you can complain and feel that you are entitled to more free education! I will be getting my level 2 for free and if I choose to do my level 3 then I will have to pay which I think is pretty fair after I've had my level 2 for free! There has to be a limit to free education, I am also 29 and its my own fault that I have gone into this past the 25 year limit for free education! I just feel that we should be thankfull that we had our level 2 for free and not focus on the fact we can't get our level 3 for free also! Some people have to pay for all their education and its thousands of pounds!

 

[kimi1101]

I'm not getting involved in all the other stuff but could you not work for a few years with your level two quals and save for your level three?

 

[MobileKat]

I'm sorry but I got really annoyed when I read this! You have already had free education paid for by the government and I don't see how you can complain and feel that you are entitled to more free education! I will be getting my level 2 for free and if I choose to do my level 3 then I will have to pay which I think is pretty fair after I've had my level 2 for free! There has to be a limit to free education, I am also 29 and its my own fault that I have gone into this past the 25 year limit for free education! I just feel that we should be thankfull that we had our level 2 for free and not focus on the fact we can't get our level 3 for free also! Some people have to pay for all their education and its thousands of pounds!

Miss Hair, I am very grateful that I have had free education. I am complaining because the government are willing to plough money into the studies of under 25's who are more likely to drop out or fail the course. I think the government would be better putting money into people with a proven track record who actually want to learn. If I was on jobseekers allowance I would get the course free, however the majority go onto courses so that they dont have to work. Its frustrating to say the least. I dont expect something for nothing, I have worked full time since leaving school at 16 up until 3 years ago when I finished work to care full time for my mother in law. I have paid taxes since the age of 16 but non of that matters now when I am asking for help.

I am not saying I want the course Free, I would be grateful for a student loan but students on hairdressing courses do not qualify for student loans.

Your entitled to your opinion, thankyou for giving it x