Training for Career Change and New Direction
Three Options to Explore when Changing Careers
The current financial climate has forced many businesses out of practice and ultimately a large number of people out of work. The longer someone has been unemployed the harder it becomes to find a new job.
Recent employment statistics show a somewhat optimistic increase in recruitment but according to the UK’s Office for National Statistics, the number of people in employment in the three months to January 2010 continued to fall. The latest ONS employment report also indicates that a staggering 1.04 million people in the workforce consider themselves to be under-employed because they cannot find full-time work.
During such times, considering a career change to work in a different role can prove a good course of action and a new direction might be just what is needed to get things moving again. A number of education and training options are available to use favourably.
Government Training Schemes
The Flexible New Deal is just one of many career change options available under the UK’s Government Training Schemes, which are designed to help people get back to work. These government-supported recruitment programmes are provided by participating employers and are primarily aimed at those who have been unemployed for 12 months or more. As a route back into work, the schemes provide the best opportunity to showcase valuable skills and knowledge about a particular field of work, while also gaining more hands-on experience.
Although these schemes tend to be competitive and over-subscribed, due to the high number of people currently out of work, it is still useful to apply in good time. As the training schemes run regularly throughout the year, it is just a question of finding out when to the next course is due to start. Lasting for about 78 weeks, the schemes are delivered on behalf of Jobcentre Plus and incorporate career change advice to help with choosing the right course, interview techniques and CV writing skills among other things.
Work-based Training and Apprenticeships
Changing careers through an apprenticeship may be the best course of action for young people looking to start a new career. Work-based learning is the most productive alternative to being a full-time student as candidates are able to gain recognised qualifications while also working.
Employers running apprenticeship schemes usually offer dedicated career help and specialised training to equip trainees with useful first-hand experience which set them up to move into new or better employment. Although here is no upper age limit for apprenticeships, are targeted at individuals aged 16 and over who are not in full-time employment. Apprenticeships.org.uk offers more information and guidance on the different types of apprentices available and how to go about applying.
Become a Trainer in Your Field of Expertise
As an expert in a particular field, it can be very difficult to start afresh and learn a new skill in another area. This is a risky and daunting decision to make; so to reduce the likelihood of starting over altogether, consider becoming a trainer rather than a practitioner. Training people is very similar to teaching and requires a lot of investment in terms of time, dedication and motivation.
But it is a rewarding career choice which allows knowledgeable candidates to share their experience and expertise with others. It is also an inspiring and rewarding option. Trainers who deliver training courses very often get involved in designing the structure of the training course and deciding on its contents, allowing them to pass on some valuable knowledge and skills.
Better Career Progression
Starting a new career is almost always a frightening prospect, particularly when a previously successful career didn’t end by choice. But many training options are available to help jobseekers get back to work. While government-sponsored training schemes provide a wonderful gateway to the working market, apprenticeships offer young individuals excellent career progression as well as the opportunity to lean and earn at the same time. For the more experienced jobseekers, there is also the possibility of using previous career experience to start a new one and inspire others by changing the role previously held.
