The Benefits of Claiming Job Seekers Allowance.

Now, you may see the title and assume I am going to launch into how to fiddle the system.. that's absolutely not the case. Obviously right now everyone who is unemployed will be facing the daunting 'requirements' that we're faced with when reading a job application. Either, not the right qualifications or not enough experience... *sigh*

I posted yesterday about how the government are going to inject one billion pounds into helping young people get back into work, or offering them the opportunity to gain skills through work placements. However, I was thinking about this not long ago, one skill I don't have which I would like is to be able to speak a language. Now, I've got history with languages - we don't get on, at all. Nearly ruined university for me because of it. Anyhow, that's another story.

I was looking into taking a French course, because I know quite a bit of the basics, so I figured that would help me settle into it and hopefully understand a little more. I looked at doing a course through the BBC because it was online and free - but it looks strange and a bit awkward so I wouldn't recommend it to be honest. After some exploring on my local councils website and knowing that there is an adult education centre located in my old secondary school - I sought out what courses they offer. Not everything to be honest, but there are a range across the many locations within the council, some further away than one would like, but hey ho!

However, to my surprise, I was excited to learn if you claim JSA you are eligible to do the course for free! I think there may be limitations to what courses you can do for free, but I think if you explain how it will benefit you looking for a job, I think that the Job Centre are willing to send the payment through for it. I guess it shows gumption and the fact you are trying different tactics to find work, and gaining new skills which employers would be foolish to ignore as a positive. When I next attend the Job Centre - I am going to ask about doing a French for beginners course because I think being able to speak a language will set me apart from other candidates.

We shall see!
Thanks for reading!
Deborah. :)