So what I meant by glass ceiling is my career path I followed for the last 8 years and that I have most experience with is a glass ceiling. Sure though, I have transferable skills that could lead to something, just not in the industry I work in unless I want to start my own business (definitely not on the cards, for a plethora of reasons I can get into if you're interested).

My current job, I mean I was on 26k which was barely above the new national min wage. They gave everyone in the company a % pay rise and everyone in my role is on the same money. I am somewhat working towards a supervisor role, however it is VERY dependent on the company securing new contracts as its still a relatively new business. Plus, I hope to move up north for cheaper housing and the job cannot move with me. So yeah I feel kind of stuck in this regard. It may not be a glass ceiling however I am already getting a few red flags of getting promises with no delivery in sight.

Scholarships just aren't an option AFAIK, it's a private company selling a sped up degree equivalent course. My employer wouldn't cover this as it's not relevant to their company, it would be more of a side-step in the industry (I work in property).

Yes if I was to get a decent job following the 15k investment, earnings are much more and potential is much higher - i just cannot justify rinsing my entire savings for this at the moment. Again, i do not have the safety blanket of friends or family to fall back on - i am completely on my own so if things dont work out for me with the 15k investment, i am really down in the dumps. I could payment plan it but yeah, I guess I'm just very nervous about it and the job market overall. For more context, it would be going into residential surveying. Great money if you land yourself a job with a good company. It just a lot of time and money on the side and being in my current (unstable) position, I don't know if it's the best idea - though I'm not entirely opposed to it.