If you’re thinking of a switch of career, then you aren’t alone. More than ever, Brits are quitting their existing jobs and seeking a new life with a new source of income. This is in part being driven by the pandemic, but its roots extend back much further. The Conservative’s 2019 manifesto pledged £3 billion towards a national skills fund which will seek to address a widespread skills shortage.
Why retrain?
People retrain for a whole variety of reasons. They might be involved in industries which are now declining, or be attached to professions which are soon to be made redundant. They might be unfulfilled by their current occupation, and ready to make a switch to a new one. They might have a long-term hobby which they’d like to turn into a profitable career. They might simply want a change of scenery.
Whatever the reasons behind the change, there are more resources available to would-be students than ever before.
How old do I have to be?
The majority of trade workers start their careers after school, and stick to it for much of their lives. That’s changing, however, with increasing numbers of older students enrolling. Given that the retirement age is always rising, it’s likely that we’ll see this trend continue. The working culture of the future might be one in which several careers is considered pretty normal!
What qualifications should we pursue?
The new qualifications you need will depend on your chosen profession. If you’re a plumber, then you’ll need to work on leaks, dripping taps, and blockages – but you could substantially increase your income by training as a gas safe engineer, and thereby allowing yourself to work on gas pipework and install modern combi boilers.
In most cases, you’ll have two routes to the qualification you need: a course at your local college or online, or an apprenticeship. In the latter case, you’ll pick up the skills you need over a longer period of time, but you’ll also get the soft skills that you need to successfully function in your new profession.
How can I be sure of my field?
Before you invest time, energy and money into learning a new trade, it’s worth establishing that you’re really a good match for it. Talk to people who are already involved in the trade, and find out what it involves. Ask what they like and dislike about it, and whether they think that you have what it takes.
