Funds From Dwp...

[LD_DOLL1611]

My stepson has just graduated from Uni with a first honours degree in sport psychology and a week later has been offered a position in his local gym as a personal trainer. He must however go through a business course which costs £400. Does anyone know if he would get help from the Job Centre / DWP towards the cost of this. He is after all not having to claim any benefits whatsoever having been offered a job straight away....

[Mosaic]

Can I ask if the course is being provided by his proposed employer?
if so the arrangement appears to be: we will offer you a job if you give us £400.
Seems wrong.

[LD_DOLL1611]

Mosaic...Because he will have to register as self employed he must pay for his own business course..Personal trainers are not actually employed and paid by the gym...They have to pay the gym rent for using their facilities....Its all a bit complicated.

[pixie373]

It would be worth asking the course provider. There are sometimes discounts that depend upon what you're earning. The Open University will waive or reduce payment if earnings below a certain level.

[EDDIE51]

He has not actually been offered a job then, there is no guarantee he will get any clients and earn money, in fact he has to pay rent to use the gym . I would go and ask the jobcentre as they sometimes pay for courses to help a person find a job. I think you have to be signed on and have been looking for work to qualify though. If he can't earn enough to pay for his rent and be able to live he will have to claim benefits anyway.

[bednobs]

you don't HAVE to do a course to become self employed do you?

[boxtops]

Not to my knowledge! Ask at your local adult education centre, if he must do this course - there are often reduced fees for people in different circumstances.

[Buenchico]

I've no idea whether this will help or not (since I've not worked through it) but it might be worth a look:
https://www.gov.uk/business-finance-support-finder

[Mosaic]

I'd just be a bit suspicious about this. Is there any kind of relationship (business or otherwise) between the gym and the course provider? Is the course recognised universally or does it fall into he area of 'certificate in business practice from Dodge E Geezer's Back Street Academy'?
Might your stepson be better asking the local football team for an internship in order to make his contacts then build up his own business?
Seems wrong to be asked for £400 for no guarantee of work.
How do hairdressers organise this? ie many stylists 'rent a chair', don't they? Can't see them paying up front.

[LD_DOLL1611]

Many thanks to everyone who replied....He is away to check out your suggestions...Thanks again.