Apprenticeship Advice.

5960xNvidiaGamer

5960xNvidiaGamer

5960xNvidiaGamer

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Hi guys, I was wondering if anyone can give me some answers. I am 34 and have worked all of my life. In feb 2013 I was involved in an accident at work which led to me no longer being able to return to the job. I now get ESA because I am unfit for work and PIP (DLA) on the high amount for mobility and the standard for living. I have trouble getting around now because of the accident and the job I was doing is very physically demanding. What I wanted to know was.. I need to get back into work as its been 2 years and I can't cope any longer at home, I have been applying to apprenticeship IT jobs of late and have an inverview next week. If I was to get the job I would be on just £2 odd an hour for the first year. Would I lose ESA payment completely because I am working fulltime? and would it affect anything else like Child benefit we get for my young kids?
I am studying for CompTia A+ from home thanks to some advice of the lads off Ocuk forums :) and will be taking the exams later in the year. I hate not working and feel useless most of the time because I am sat here and the mrs is in work. Makes me feel guilty so an office job is my only option right now. But we need to be able to live too,
 
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XfXGamer2014 said:
I am studying for CompTia A+ from home thanks to some advice of the lads off Ocuk forums :) and will be taking the exams later in the year. I hate not working and feel useless most of the time because I am sat here and the mrs is in work. Makes me feel guilty so an office job is my only option right now. But we need to be able to live too,
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I'm afraid I can't offer much in the way of advice, but just wanted to say thank you for having this attitude :)
 
What does the 'apprenticeship' IT job actually lead to? I mean what qualification/experience does it offer that you couldn't get in some other IT role that doesn't pay a naff wage?

On the face of it it just seems like a bit of a con - I'd perhaps look at getting a proper job rather than an apprenticeship.

No idea re: the benefits situation - perhaps try citizens advice?
 
dowie said:
What does the 'apprenticeship' IT job actually lead to? I mean what qualification/experience does it offer that you couldn't get in some other IT role that doesn't pay a naff wage?

On the face of it it just seems like a bit of a con - I'd perhaps look at getting a proper job rather than an apprenticeship.

No idea re: the benefits situation - perhaps try citizens advice?
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The idea is that the company in question will train you up for a year to gain the relevant qualifications and then take you on full time on a proper wage.

Although you do see a lot of people taking advantage of the apprenticeship wage. "Apprentice receptionist" yeah... just a normal receptionist for £2/hr :rolleyes:.
 
valkynaz said:
The idea is that the company in question will train you up for a year to gain the relevant qualifications and then take you on full time on a proper wage.

Although you do see a lot of people taking advantage of the apprenticeship wage. "Apprentice receptionist" yeah... just a normal receptionist for £2/hr :rolleyes:.
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well yeah - it seems like a complete con as far as a lot of roles are concerned - what 'qualifications' will they offer in return for the 'apprentice' sacrificing thousands in lost wages? Will they offer paid study leave?

I mean a lot of initial IT quals can be done relatively cheaply - they'd have to offer rather a lot for an apprenticeship to actually be worth while as opposed to just getting an IT job... I guess if there are no other options... but it does seem to be the nut low option as far as a job in IT is concerned
 
You'd lose the ESA but you'd keep Child Ben (Child Ben only starts tapering off at £50k).

If in doubt, speak to the DWP advisor assigned to you when claiming your ESA.
 
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You can do permitted work while recieving ESA and are in the 'Support' group.

Under 16 hours a week and earn less than £101.

Why not offer your services to someone/somewhere who would really appreciate your help for a lower wage? or you can just work voluntarily, as long as still under 16 hours a week.

You would need to tell the ESA permitted work section what you are planning on doing and anything over £20 and you will have to inform Housing Benefit, if you claim HB.

Edit: I think this kind of stepping stone into permitted work is a great option, it recognises the person cannot do a normal job to the point where they can sustain themselves monetarily but can still 'do what they can' and help lower their reliance on the state and feel like they are of some use to the world outside their immediate 'people zone'.
 
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voluntary work just a few hours a week might be good before transitioning back to the work place full time - looks good on the CV too

my gran sent me an e-mail from her nursing home a few weeks before she passed away, she was in her 90s and had never used a computer until then... was thanks to a volunteer

I reckon a bit of IT related voluntary work while completing quals/applying for jobs could be a good thing to talk about at interview, shows motivation/interest, people skills etc... ticks off a bunch of the buzzwords HR/hiring managers look for and gives you more potential answers for the generic 'tell me about a time you had to deal with X...' type questions
 
dowie said:
What does the 'apprenticeship' IT job actually lead to? I mean what qualification/experience does it offer that you couldn't get in some other IT role that doesn't pay a naff wage?

On the face of it it just seems like a bit of a con - I'd perhaps look at getting a proper job rather than an apprenticeship.

No idea re: the benefits situation - perhaps try citizens advice?
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should be a city and guilds or NVQ qualification.

not sure with IT but for other jobs the apprenticeship also helpfully gets you every health and safety qualifications you could ever want/need.
 
honestly wouldn't advise this dude - get a first line job somewhere (you WILL be good enough!) and at least you will be on better money and then plan what you want to do long term. Don't work for 2 pounds an hour
 
Traffic_Warden said:
As you are over 18 , isnt it the case you will recieve the minimum wage of £6.50 as your starting wage.
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Not for the first year IIRC, same as everyone else doing one.

AS above I would really just get a job and lean from that, places are just using the scheme to hire joey's for next to nothing.
 
After the year they'll probably get rid of you and take on another "apprentice" @ £2ph. Afterall, why pay someone minimum wage, when you can get away with less?
 
Ok well I spoke to them today and they are going to see if the company would let me work just 15 hours a week. The pay is £2.90 an hour for the first year which I know is very little. 15 hours wouldn't affect my benefits, also I remember when I last spoke to my ESA advisor and she said get a job for 15 hours that you can do and you can keep claiming ESA. I will keep trying to get a proper job, but I never seem to get interviews and I do think it is because of no experience. I know what im doing around a PC, I just wish I had gone straight to college when I left school.There not many jobs I am able to do now and I can only walk about 2 bus lengths without stopping now. When I had the accident the lad hit me head on with a forklift truck. I have damaged disks in my lower back and have neck,head and right leg pain all the time. I am trying to get on with my life but it's difficult now. Not sure what to do anymore. I thought an apprenticeship was a good idea but now im not sure.
 
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