Posting for traffic.This may be a little long, but I really appreciate anyone who reads and has some advice. Have posted elsewhere too but I think I may get more response here.
For context, DH and I are both 26, and have a young baby. We graduated 5 years ago and had jobs lined up after graduating, both working full time ever since. Everything was fine, paying our own way etc. Then in June, I lost my job due to Covid and in July DH lost his too. Very fortunately, DH secured a job as a learning mentor in a Special Needs School by the of July so we had an income coming in. We took a hit in terms of pay as its lower than what he was previously receiving, but he is much happier with his new role. I have been applying for jobs but it has been tough finding jobs and getting interviews and as a result we started claiming UC as I was now unemployed and DH is on a low wage. I am so thankful for UC because without it, I can't imagine what would have happened.
I had the time to think about what I really want to do and on a whim I applied to a 2 year university training course which by the end you receive the qualifications to work as a clinical practitioner. I had an interview and was successful; the course starts in September 2021. However, DH has finished for half term and has also been offered a better position in his school from September as a member of staff is leaving. The pay is only slightly more, not a big pay rise but would still go a long way given our current circumstance, however, it is unlikely to make a difference in the long run if that makes sense.
So here is where I am at. If I accept the course in September, DH will need to either go part-time or become a stay at home dad to look after our baby as the course is 'learning on the job' and is 5 days a weeks (mix of both clinical placement and lectures and seminars). It is intense and we do not have any family to help with childcare. This would mean I would still need to claim UC (as well as student finance) with the intention of after 2 years we will no longer need to claim as the training would mean I would be able to apply for roles with higher salaries as well as job security etc. I'm not sure whether UC will allow me to become a full-time student and dh a stahd/working part time. The alternative is dh takes his new role with a slight pay rise and I continue looking for work and perhaps pursue the training once DC is at school.
Dh is incredibly supportive and feels the opportunity I have been offered is too good to pass up, I just have several reservations. I don't know what is the best thing to do and I am trying to weigh up pros and cons. I don't want to be claiming forever and feel guilty despite the fact the situation was beyond my control. I want to do whatever I can to try make job prospects better so we can live a good quality of life and having this qualification would allow me to do that. It has been tough the past few months and although UC has relived some stress, we are still going pay check to pay check. This has been hard for me to write up so I may have missed something so any questions please ask. If you have read thus far, thank you and I really do appreciate any advice. I just want to make life feel a little easier than it has been and secure a decent future for our baby.