Retraining for work in tech as illness improves - any funding available?(UK)

[Guwop2]

Hello,
As my condition improves bit by bit, im starting to think about getting back to work. My previous work as an artist, which was very stressful and competitive, is sadly not something i think i can realistically still consider as an option (though i still do make art work). I am however considering retraining as a freelance software engineer. All this time at home over the years has forced me into a relationship with my computer and m way more computer savvy than i had been previous to the illness. There are a few courses that bring you from novice to an employable junior level as a software engineer, but they are expensive. I was wondering whether anyone here knows about any funding or financial support in the UK for people looking to retrain if they've had a long term chronic illness? Im not ready just yet to get started on it, but im definitely keep to look into my options for when I have recovered more.
Thanks
G

 

[andyguitar]

There is something called The Adult Learning Grant which is funded by the Government but it's only about £30 a week and fairly difficult to get. How about looking for a Uni course for Software Engineering? You should get a Student Grant for that as long as you have'nt had one before. And you could do some freelance work during your studies.

 

[Guwop2]

There is something called The Adult Learning Grant which is funded by the Government but it's only about £30 a week and fairly difficult to get. How about looking for a Uni course for Software Engineering? You should get a Student Grant for that as long as you have'nt had one before. And you could do some freelance work during your studies.

Thanks Andy, i have a degree already in Art, which had served me well until i got sick. So i guess it looks like there's not much i can do on this front. Will have to take out a loan no matter what, i guess it'll just have to be more

 

[Guwop2]

There is something called The Adult Learning Grant which is funded by the Government but it's only about £30 a week and fairly difficult to get. How about looking for a Uni course for Software Engineering? You should get a Student Grant for that as long as you have'nt had one before. And you could do some freelance work during your studies.

Hi again, Andy, I actually misread 'Student Grant' as a student loan, do you know anything more about a Student Grant I might be eligible for?

 

[andyguitar]

Just had a look around and it seems that the grant is not available for people starting new courses. Probably only for those who started in 2016 ish. But it's definatly worth you getting some specialist advice about this as I am fairly sure that student loans can be given in some circumstances to those who have already recieved one. Looks fairly certain that the Gov Student Grant has been discontinued for new students. Suggest you look for a course you fancy and ask the University for advice about funding.

 

[andyguitar]

You would be eligable for a Student loan for an MA in anything as long as your BA is accepted as a qualification for applying for an MA course. How about looking for an MA in Computer Art or something along those lines?

 

[Guwop2]

Just had a look around and it seems that the grant is not available for people starting new courses. Probably only for those who started in 2016 ish. But it's definatly worth you getting some specialist advice about this as I am fairly sure that student loans can be given in some circumstances to those who have already recieved one. Looks fairly certain that the Gov Student Grant has been discontinued for new students. Suggest you look for a course you fancy and ask the University for advice about funding.

I think that's a good idea - looking for a course and then speaking to their admin team to see if they know of any support i'm eligible for. Thanks Andy, perhaps ill consider an animation MA or something, at least it's practical skill that is also realted to my former studies.

 

[andyguitar]

perhaps ill consider an animation MA or something, at least it's practical skill that is also realted to my former studies.

Yes animation is well worth looking at @Guwop2 as it's one of our most successful industries.

 

[AnnieT]

@Guwop2 It might be worth asking the benefits office. I know that there is funding available in certain circumstance, for example of you have been unemployed for a certain amount of time and want to start your own business. Might be something for people who have been on disability?

 

[Guwop2]

@Guwop2 It might be worth asking the benefits office. I know that there is funding available in certain circumstance, for example of you have been unemployed for a certain amount of time and want to start your own business. Might be something for people who have been on disability?

Hi just seen this (not logged on in a while) Thanks Annie, id not heard of funding for such things from the job centre/benefits office, but will make some inquiries. Thanks =D