Have a look into skills for security there are some courses ie cctv and possible DS which will enable you to get some work and experience under your belt whilst you may possibly save up for your cp course. There is also a initiative called reskill upskill atm which pays for nvqs in various disciplines provided you are doing over 30 hours a week and is free for your employer to sign you up to over a period of six months.
Its just not the course you need to pay for its the licence, the accom, the kit and equipment etc, the extra courses you may need to do to specialize in a particular area ie, driving, marsec . I know I worked nights for ages prior to doing my courses to save up and pay for everything, wasnt easy working round my little ones but I was proud I paid for it all myself, although you are right in thinking if there is funding out there you can tap into it maybe worth while investigating further. Getting your cp is just the first step on the ladder and its an expensive one to climb, getting some work and experience under your belt no matter how laborious it is may help in the long run, just to keep you afloat in the short term.
Understandably if you haven't fully signed off yet your choices maybe limited but there is a bit of a wait at the moment in terms of qualifying, getting certs and licences and then landing your first role.
Industry is inundated with guys wanting to get back out but due to visas etc they are having issues, its always been a tough industry but appears to be getting tougher to get that first break.
Maybe paying £250 for the DS training and getting that badge so you can earn during the summer season whilst you are saving up for your CP might be an idea. You dont just want to go for a cheap provider due to your financial constraints you need to get the best course you can afford which is suitable for you. There is plenty of work in the events season during this period coming up soon so you will earn that £250 back no problem, network and gain some experience. Just a suggestion.
