u/Busybrains9703

Hi, I am starting my level 4 in counselling in September and I am unsure whether to apply for the advanced learner loan or just get a bank loan(which I would pay off monthly for a few years).

I have read a lot into the advanced learner loans and I know you do not pay it back until you are earning over a certain earning threshold, however, I am mostly concerned over the amount of interest this one has.

I would love to know your experiences with the advanced learner loans.

I have been offered a place at my local college for my level 4 counselling, which is accredited by the BACP. However, I have also been considering Chrysalis as a provider as my current level 3 tutor is doing her refresher with them and once a month would work better than once a week for me with working. That being said, I have hesitancy towards Chrysalis as a provider because they aren’t accredited by BACP, only NCPS and from a few threads I have read on here apparently the NHS will not accept this?

I am privileged that I already work with two not-for-profits who I will be able to transition into a counselling position upon completion, however, I want to know that in the future I am able to work where I please without hassle from a weak qualification.

I think I might need to suck it up and juggle the one day per week, I have managed two days per week for my level 3 so I should be able to manage.

I would just love some opinions from others who have gone through their level 4 training and what employers look for after completion. And what training providers you used?