The quoted prices for Ptlls courses can vary wildly. Just a quick look shows £260 to over a thousand. And then the price people actually end up paying is different again. I’m not saying it’s about cheap. It’s about value for money. There are plenty of other things to consider when choosing a Ptlls course but paying for the course can be a big hurdle.
A big part of the price variation will depend on where you want to go to study. Online, a college or a training provider will all charge differently as they are quite different animals. And the decision between those is about much more than cost.
I work at a college that runs a Ptlls course, so I got mine for free. On the same course were other people whose employers were paying, people receiving funding through the Jobcentre, people on government discounts and people paying full whack – about £280 in this case. We’ll have a look here at the different things you’ll need to consider.
If you work in the education or advice and guidance sector, are a trainer or anything similar you should approach your employer about funding your training. If it will improve your role and their business this would be good to swing for. Even if not, if your company has any kind of staff training schemes it would be a possibility worth checking out.
***The next two paragraphs are are out of date and are replaced by Updated funding***
If you are on means-tested benefits – something like Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Job Seekers Allowance, Housing Benefit, that kind of thing – you should look for providers who will give you a government funded discount. The government provides money for adult education on certain types of courses for certain types of people. The Ptlls course generally attracts this funding as it is a good public service sort of thing and a portion of your fees would be waived.
If you are on JSA or getting help from the Jobcentre you should also check with them as they can often fund this kind of training. Another avenue is to have a look at the kinds of support offered by the provider – some can subsidise actual course fees and/or the associated costs such as books, travel and childcare.
***Updated funding post for 11/12 academic year***
Hopefully there’s something you can take away from those ideas, some options that might have been opened up. If there’s anything else that needs to be covered or you have any questions just throw up a comment or get in touch.
I was offered PTLLS for free as part of a short redundancy support course at my local college after 3 months of unemployment – I’m in the middle of the essays at the moment and popped by looking for resources.
Well done Frances for putting a support site together … are you still active in adding resources?
Cheers
I’m on a free PTLLS course paid for by a European fund for redundancy support – after attending an unemployment course via the local job centre after 3 months of redundancy.
Apparently there is training funding available for everyone so push them for details at your job centre if you are interested.
Cheers
Hi Simon, thanks for stopping by and sharing the news.
It’s been a slow start but work is still going on here and it will be much more active going in to the future!
I’m on JSA and have just started a PTLLS course. I’m having to pay the fees as the local Jobcentre won’t.
Hopefully, upon completion, I want to be able to work as it’s becoming impossible getting a job.
PS – What I’ve seen on the site so far, has been helpful, Thanks.
Hi Nafisa, glad you’re finding stuff useful.
I think the funding post needs an update, our new government have made things quite different.
Good luck with your course! Frances
I am a Director of a Community Interest Company in the North East of England. We offer and run PTLLS as part of our provision in South Tyneside and the surrounding areas. Learners who are unemployed and on certain benefits can usually qualify to do the course for free in our area. Other people depending on circumstances can also qualify for part payment. Our cost at the moment is £250 + VAT and runs over 7 half days.
Hi, currently working as a PCSO, have to go into schools and community groups to deliver training. Also a PCSO tutor. Would this course be beneficial, looking to see if this course could lead to a change of career
I would certainly think the course would be beneficial for delivering training, whether to schools and other groups or PCSO training. It is also definitely useful as a first step towards teaching as a new career. Have a chat with the providers you are looking at, they should be happy to help with any questions, or get in touch with the National Careers Service. Hope that helps!
I have a learner who wants to do a PTTLS course but is on Job Seekers Allowance. She would like to know if she can access the course for free.
I have been unemployed for 4 years as i have been a carer for 4 years. i am hoping to get back into teaching as i feel my background is good I need funding in north Devon anyone who can help me please contact me.