Funding Professional Qualifications - What Are My Options?

Studies have shown that professional qualifications can provide long-term benefits to earnings – people who hold a professional qualification can typically expect to earn £81,000 more over the course of their working life compared to those who don’t. However, even if studying pays off in the long term, it can sometimes be difficult to source funding to cover the cost of a course.

Funding for professional qualifications is not as easy to find as for more traditional qualifications, but for those who are struggling to fund a course there are avenues available, particularly for those who are unemployed.

Funding Option 1: Work

If you’re working and the course you wish to study is relevant to your job, your employer may be prepared to fund your studies out of their training budget. This might take the form of full payment, or a contribution towards the costs of your course.

Employer sponsorship is a popular way of funding professional qualifications, but there can be pitfalls. Many employers impose conditions such as a requirement to remain with the company for a set period of time after completing the course to ensure they benefit from funding your studies, and you may find they expect to be involved in module choices to tailor the course to fit their needs.

Funding Option 2: Government Grants

There are grants available from the UK government to fund professional qualifications – these are mostly aimed at those seeking work, or who have recently returned to work after a period of unemployment.

Those over 50 who are returning to work after unemployment may be eligible for a Fifty Plus In-Work Training Grant to help them get started in a new career.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/AdultLearning/FinancialHelpForAdultLearners/DG_178370

If you are in work and wish to study a course related to your job, you may be eligible for a Professional and Career Development Loan: 

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/AdultLearning/FinancialHelpForAdultLearners/CareerDevelopmentLoans/index.htm

If you live in Wales and are facing redundancy, ReAct can provide grants to help with vocational training:

http://wales.gov.uk/topics/educationandskills/allsectorpolicies/europeansocialfund/projects/react/?lang=en

Funding Option 3: Courses for Forces

If you’ve served in the Armed Forces for four years or more from the 1^st April 2000, you’ll be entitled to up to £6,000 in funding for further education courses. For full details, visit http://www.courses4forces.co.uk

Funding Option 4: Charities/Other Organisations

There are numerous other charities and organisations who could provide funding for a professional qualification, but the circumstances in which they will grant funding vary depending on the organisation’s remit and target group. The Family Action Trust has a search facility, allowing you to enter your details and be matched to suitable organisations: http://www.family-action.org.uk/section.aspx?id=1403

Funding Option 5: Self Funding

If none of the above funding options are available to you, it’s important not to forget the possibility of paying for the course yourself. While professional qualifications can be expensive, they’re nowhere near as costly as degrees or other forms of higher education, and the long-term benefits to your career and earning potential are well-documented. In addition, you’ll have the freedom to choose the course and modules that are right for you, with no conditions imposed from employers or other funding sources.

Many colleges offer payment plans to help spread the cost of professional qualifications, so funding a course yourself might be more achievable than you think. 

MCIPS – What is MCIPS and How Can it Boost Your Purchasing Career?

MCIPS is an acronym standing for Member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply. It is one of the highest statuses a purchasing or procurement professional can achieve, and signifies considerable experience in the field as well as a commitment to professional development and education on the part of the holder.

An MCIPS qualified individual has achieved full membership of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, having gone through a rigorous period of training as well as having gained working experience in the field of purchasing.

Students can achieve MCIPS status via distance learning, by completing the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply’s Level 4, 5 and 6 purchasing qualifications. With this and proof of at least three years’ experience in a position of responsibility in purchasing, CIPS members can apply for full membership and MCIPS status through the Institute.

MCIPS qualified individuals are in high demand in purchasing and procurement roles worldwide. The qualification is highly desirable and valuable to employers, giving a real boost to the holder’s professional reputation and making their CV stand out from the crowd.

While achieving MCIPS can be a long process, it is a very worthwhile one – the process of completing the necessary qualifications and work experience gives a thorough knowledge of the purchasing role, and develops the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in a procurement role.

Find out more about studying towards MCIPS at Distance Learning College and Training…

Types of Distance Learning

Types of Distance Learning:

There are several different types of home learning, each with its own distinctive features:

Distance Learning: 

Traditional distance learning is very similar to studying a course via a college or university, except that you’ll receive your course materials by post or email and will complete your studies off-campus. You’ll be assigned a tutor, who will set you work to complete, mark your assignments, give you feedback and answer any of your questions.

Self Study: 

Self study is different to traditional distance learning, in that you’ll usually receive your course materials, a voucher to book your exams and not a lot else! If you have the confidence to work through the materials by yourself, and the discipline to keep on track, this can be a cheaper method of study than traditional distance learning, since you won’t have to pay for tutor support if you don’t need it.

E-Learning: 

E-Learning, as the name suggests, puts all your course materials, assignments and exams online. You’ll learn by working through exercises and completing tasks online, and you’ll submit your work via email. Depending on the course, you may also be able to take part in online video presentations, live chat and other interactive features to help you through the course.

What is Distance Learning? The difference between Distance Learning and Self Study, and why it matters.

What is Distance Learning? The difference between Distance Learning and Self Study, and why it matters.

History of Distance Learning

The first distance learning can be traced back to the 18^th Century, in the form of ‘correspondence courses’, which became increasingly popular with the development of the postal system throughout the 19^th century. 

Distance learning was born out of the difficulty many people had in accessing education – either due to ill health, inability to travel, financial problems, working or family commitments or being unable to attend institutions due to restrictions on the admission of women.

Since then, education has probably become more easily accessible than ever before. However, distance learning still serves a useful purpose as a means for those who are unable to attend physical classes to study and gain qualifications. Its flexibility and convenience has meant that distance learning has gone from strength to strength over its 250 year history, and it is more popular now than ever before.

Distance Learning vs. Self Study

There’s a world of difference between distance learning and self study, although the two are often confused.

Self study courses are based around self-directed learning. On a self study course, you will be provided with the materials and textbooks necessary to complete the course and left to work through them at your own pace, taking exams and submitting coursework when you think you’re ready. You’ll likely receive little or no feedback, and while you may be able to contact somebody for help it’s likely that this facility will be limited to a set number of hours per month. Because they require less interaction, self study courses typically cost less than more structured distance learning courses, but there can be pitfalls, especially if you are not used to studying or are nervous about completing your chosen course alone.

Distance learning has much more in common with traditional classroom-based learning than it does with self study – it aims to give the same level of tuition, the only difference being that student does not attend a physical location to study. You’ll be given a timetable, set tasks to complete and given deadlines for the submission of work and assignments. All your work will be checked by your tutor, and you’ll be given regular feedback to help you improve and to make sure that you understand the course.

The major difference between self study and distance learning is communication. In distance learning, communication is key – as a distance learning student you will not be left to work through your chosen course alone, but will be supported and advised every step of the way, just as if you were attending a traditional college course.

Why is distance learning better?

Studying a course via true distance learning rather than via self study has numerous benefits:

• Regular contact with your tutor will help you stay on track and motivated on your chosen course, and reduce the chances of you falling behind in your studies.
• You’ll be given advice from somebody who understands the syllabus to help you decide when you’ve reached the right standard to take exams and submit assignments – self study will usually require you to make this decision yourself, and risk failing and incurring costs for re-sits if you misjudge and take your exams before you’re ready.
• You’ll submit tasks and coursework regularly, so that your tutor can make sure you understand what you’re learning fully and pick up on any misunderstandings early.
• You’ll know your tutor and they’ll know you, meaning they can understand your strengths and weaknesses and tailor their tuition to suit your level of knowledge and experience.

Distance Learning with DLC & Training

There are many different learning providers out there offering courses which do not require classroom attendance. While the qualifications they provide may be the same, the way they deliver their courses can vary considerably – either self study, or distance learning, or one of many variations or combinations of the two.

At Distance Learning College and Training, our aim is to provide the same, or wherever possible, a better quality of education than you would expect from attending a traditional college course – the only difference is that your course will be delivered without the need for you to attend physical classes or lectures.

When you enrol, you’ll be assigned a personal tutor who will be your contact for all questions relating to your studies. All of our tutors are experienced and highly qualified teachers, and your tutor will have completed your course themselves and will also have many years of industry experience, ensuring a thorough understanding of the requirements of your course. Your tutor will help you to draw up a study timetable, setting out clearly what you’ll need to do to complete the course. They’ll contact you regularly to make sure you’re on track, and you’ll be able to contact them whenever you have questions by telephone or email. This support is unlimited, so you can be sure that you’ll receive the help you need, when you need it.

In addition to your tutor, you’ll also receive support from your student mentor and student liaison officer. Your mentor will be there to coach you through the non-academic aspects of distance learning, offering advice on fitting your studies around your life, revision and exam techniques and any other support you might need. Your student liaison officer’s job is to help you with the administrative side of your course – arranging exams and maintaining your institute membership if the course you’re studying requires it, making sure that you’re free to concentrate on your studies.

Top 50 Distance Learning Resources

If you're considering taking up a distance learning course, it can sometimes be difficult to find good quality information. We've collected our 50 top resources for distance learning help and guidance - this list contains details for organizations and sites dedicated towards distance learning, useful articles, course directories and more.

This list is particularly aimed towards UK students.

Distance Learning Organizations:

http://www.odlqc.org.uk/ - Open and Distance Learning Quality Council

http://www.niace.org.uk/ - National Institute of Adult and Continuing Education

http://www.homestudy.org.uk/ The Association of British Correspondence Colleges

http://www.iadl.org.uk/ - International Association for Distance Learning

Distance Learning Websites:

NHS Direct - Education and learning information for carers

Open University - distance learning explained

http://www.skill.org.uk/ - education information for disabled people

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learning/adults/ - the BBC’s adult learning section with information on courses

http://www.e-learningcentre.co.uk/ - information and resources for distance learning

Connexions - Details on different methods of open or part-time learning, aimed at school leavers.

http://www.careerchangetraining.co.uk - information on training for people looking to change careers

http://www.elearnmag.org/ - Articles, blogs and resources focused on e-learning

http://www.learndirect.co.uk/ - great resource on training and education for both businesses and individuals, including flexible distance learning courses.

http://www.prospects.ac.uk/study_advice.htm - General study and revision advice

http://www.direct.gov.uk/ - Information on distance learning, plus the NextStep course finder tool.

http://www.notgoingtouni.co.uk/ - Information on alternatives to university – apprenticeships, jobs and home learning courses.

Distance Learning Articles

Top 10 benefits of distance learning

The benefits of distance learning for employers

Why distance learning is best for busy mums

Will home study suit my learning style

7 success strategies for distance learners

Boost your career with a qualification: why experience isn’t enough any more

Article on the pros and cons of distance learning

Article on distance learning focussing on mature students

Mastering open and distance learning techniques

Why it’s never too late to learn something new

Alternatives to full time study

10 ways to ensure distance learning success

Getting into higher education as a mature student

5 success strategies for online students

The Guardian - The Road to Learning

The Telegraph - How to get a degree during six gap years

Direct.gov - Information on flexible and open learning options

Worcester.ac.uk - The University of Worcester’s guide to distance learning (PDF Document)

Prime50Plus.co.uk - Information on training and careers for over-50s.

Ibtimes.com - Articles and news on online education – mostly US based.

Expat Network - Collection of links to distance learning institutions worldwide

Distance Education on Wikipedia - history and theories of distance education

Course Directories:

http://www.hotcourses.com

http://www.findcpd.com

http://www.course-finder.co.uk

http://www.helptrainingcourses.com

http://nextstep.direct.gov.uk/

http://www.learndirect.co.uk/browse/

http://www.coursesplus.co.uk

http://www.postgraduatesearch.com

http://www.studylink.com

http://www.underoak.co.uk

http://www.emagister.co.uk

http://www.learn4good.com/

Do you know of a useful distance learning resource that we've missed out? Please let us know in the comments!

Investing in training isn't just good news for your employees - staff training gives real, measurable improvements to your business as well. Here are our top reasons to invest in employee training for your business:

1. Tailor the topics to suit your company

Most workplace training courses are very flexible, so you can tailor the course content to focus on the areas of your business that need the most attention. This means your staff are studying relevant topics, making the training as efficient as possible and maximising the impact on your business.

2. Get training in practical subjects from the experts

Many professional qualifications are accredited by leading professional bodies - these organisations invest huge amounts of time and money into researching and developing better ways of working. Because of this, you know that training your staff with these qualifications means they're learning cutting edge skills and techniques with real practical applications for your business.

3. Accessible to everybody

Unlike college and university courses which may have strict requirements for entry qualifications, professional workplace training is based on experience. This means that no matter what their qualifications or educational background, they'll be able to start at a level that suits them. This means you spend less money on 'catch-up' qualifications before your staff can start studying at a level that matches their experience.

4. Job-Focused

Lots of professional qualifications assess students by having them apply their knowledge in their current job by doing projects. This means that they'll be improving your business as they study!

5. Benchmark your staff performance

It’s important to be able to measure your staff’s abilities against a measurable standard – this way you keep tracks of how well they’re performing, and how they’re developing over time. A framework of professional qualifications is the perfect way to check how well your staff are progressing, and make sure they’re developing in line with their targets.

6. Boost the ROI on your recruitment

When your recruit, there are costs involved, so it’s important to get the most out of your staff. By improving their skills with business training, you’ll not only increase their performance but their morale and motivation too, reducing staff turnover and increasing retention. Investing in your staff will improve your reputation as an employer, too, so you’ll find it easier to attract high quality candidates when you’re recruiting.

7. Improve your business’s performance

Professional training for businesses is all focused on making real improvements to business performance. Your staff will learn new skills and techniques for making your business more efficient and profitable.

8. A mark of excellence for your business

Showing that you care about professional standards, improving your business and developing your staff gives your company credibility in professional circles and improves its reputation.

9. Get the edge on the competition

By training your employees to work at their best, you can make sure you’re working faster, better and smarter than your competitors. Well trained staff get more out of every working hour to give your business the edge over your competitors.

10. Get new recruits up to speed

Putting new recruits on a training course can help them find their feet.

11. Push talented employees further

If you have a junior member of staff who’s showing potential, it can be cheaper to train them up for a more senior role than to recruit a new manager.

12. Update your employee’s skills

Even experienced staff members can benefit from a refresher to go back over familiar material and learn some new tricks.

13. Funding options available

Business training might not cost you as much as you think – if you take NVQ funding for your staff you could get up to 100% of the cost covered for you!

14. Fit the training around your company

Training doesn’t have to mean huge disruption to your company – most courses can be tailored to fit the amount of time you can afford for your staff to spend on their studies, and can be completed with a minimum of fuss.

15. Make more money

All of the above points contribute to one major benefit: more profit for your business. By increasing its efficiency, improving your staff’s performance, increasing morale and motivation and keeping up to date with the latest industry knowledge, you can be sure that business training will help your business achieve its goals.

Find out more about business training solutions...

Choosing a Distance Learning Course: Ten Questions to Ask Before You Sign Up

There are a bewildering number of distance learning colleges and courses out there, and choosing between them can be a confusing process. Here are our top ten questions to ask before you commit to a course:

1. Who is the course accredited by?

A good quality distance learning course will lead to a qualification which is accredited by a well-known educational establishment or professional body. The accreditation of the qualification you receive is what will give it weight on your CV, so it’s important to know what you’ll be getting.

2. When can I start the course?

Some distance learning courses have several set start dates throughout the year, while others will allow you to begin your course at any time. If you’re in a hurry to get started, it’s important to check if there are any enrolment deadlines you need to meet, or how long you’ll have to wait to begin your studies.

3. How is the course structured?

Will you be set regular assignments, or will you be left to work through the course materials at your own pace? Make sure the course is structured in a way that fits with your own requirements – are you happy to work alone, or would you rather go for something more structured to keep you on track?

4. How will I receive my course materials?

Is the course delivered entirely online, or will you receive hard copies of your textbooks? Perhaps you’ll receive your course on CD-ROM, or a mix of different methods? Check before you sign up to make sure that the course materials will be in a format that you're comfortable with.

5. How much contact do I get with my tutor?

Some distance learning courses limit the amount of contact time you’ll receive with your tutor. If you’re happy to work through the course with minimal support, this could be a cheaper option, but if you’re unsure or haven’t studied for a long time, it may be better to choose a course which offers unlimited support. Also, check what methods of contact you’ll have – telephone, email, Skype, forums and so on.

6. What experience will my tutor have?

Your tutor may be an experienced teacher, but do they have industry experience to back up their knowledge? Are they a specialist in their field? 

7. How and when will I receive feedback?

When you submit an assignment, how long will you have to wait to receive feedback, and what form will this take? Will the feedback you receive be personalised to your work or will it be generic?

8. Do I have to join any professional bodies to study?

Some professional qualifications require you to be a member of the professional body which accredits the course before you can study. If this is the case for your course, be clear on whether membership fees are included in the cost, or whether this is something you’ll need to arrange separately.

9. Are there any exams?

If your course requires you to sit exams, you’ll need to know when these will be and how they’ll work. You’ll also need to know whether you’ll have to attend a specific exam centre or whether you can arrange to sit your exam in your own workplace. Finally, check the exam fees, whether they're included in the cost of the course and whether you’ll receive any help in booking your exams or if this is up to you.

10. What are my funding options?

If your employer is funding your course, can the college invoice them directly? If you’re self funding, are there any options to spread the cost of the course, or does the entire course fee need to be paid up front?