What level of qualification will I be studying as a TFS participant?
Level 1 or Level 2 depending on the qualifications you have already achieved.
How many days a week will I be in College (its 30 hours so is this over 5days between employer and college)?
At least 2 days per week is spent in College. Participants have to do a minimum of 30 hours per week between College, work placement and or directed study.
How many days a week will I be with an employer?
Between 1 and 3 days
Will I be expected to work a Saturday?
Participants are not required to attend work placement for any periods that would normally attract overtime or premium payments for an employee, nor should a participant be required to attend on weekends, Bank Holidays, evenings or unusual hours.
Do I have to find my own employer?
College staff assist with finding work placements if participants are unable to find an employer.
What qualification will I achieve at the end of the course?
personal and social development
employability skills
professional and technical skills at level 1 or level 2
Essential Skills in Communication, Application of Number, and ICT
How long (years?) will it take me to complete this qualification?
All participants will receive an entitlement of up to 104 weeks on the Training for Success programme, or up to 156 weeks for those with a disability who have an identified need for additional time.
Will I be paid my weekly allowance of £40 during the summer? Will I be expected to attend College or work placement during the summer?
Training for Success is continuous during the summer. Participants have to attend College or work placement during the summer and are paid £40 training allowance for attendance.
When I apply will I be interviewed?
Interviews are conducted by Lecturers normally in May/June.
When do I get the cash bonuses?
Cash bonuses are paid at 13 week intervals during the programme.
Do I need to do an apprenticeship after the TFS course to be fully qualified in my chosen skill area or will I be qualified to seek employment with my TFS qualification?
Participants can achieve up to level 2 on TfS which is an acceptable level of qualification for some vocational areas. However to be fully qualified in areas such as plumbing, electrical, motor vehicle and engineering participants have to achieve a level 3 qualification through the ApprenticeshipsNI programme.
Can I start my course anytime or do I have to wait until September?
September is the preferred start date as it is the start of the College year but participants can commence TfS at any time providing they meet the eligibility criteria.
Do I get my travel expense to my employer paid every day I’m there?
Participants are reimbursed for travel expenses which amount to more than £3 per week. This includes travel to College and employer premises.
What assistance is there for childcare?
Participant who makes arrangements for the care of the child(ren) on a fee-paying basis with a carer, childminder, day nursery, or a crèche which is registered with the appropriate authority can apply to be considered for assistance with childcare payments.
INTERNAL QUESTION: Are TFS courses processed the same as all other applications – by admissions?
TfS applications are processed by admissions and a letter of acknowledgement is sent.
Application forms are forwarded to Training Unit staff for further processing.
Participants are invited to attend initial assessments for literacy and numeracy and interviews in May/June.
