Return to Work - Devon

Although the notion of returning to work or study may seem daunting for many parents, scores of employers actively seek the desirable qualities that mums and dads possess, such as superb time management, methodical organisation and diplomacy! If you’re in the position where you want to return to work or study, then what is available to help you make you make that next step?

 

Finding work

To help you find work there are plenty of routes to explore. Local recruitment agencies can sign you up on a temporary basis enabling you to sample different work environments and undergo on-the-job training, whereas you may wish to register with the Government’s Universal Jobmatch atwww.gov.uk/jobsearch which allows you to search for work that matches your skills. Alternatively, try an online jobsite such as www.indeed.co.uk

                       

Work from home

Working from home normally fits well with family commitments and can be highly rewarding. You may have a skill that enables you to go freelance or you can become a virtual assistant offering secretarial skills from home. It may not be the best choice if you seek the social side of work in the company of others. Read more at www.workingmums.co.uk/home-working-jobs

 

Career Advice

If you are unsure what job or career to pursue, take a look at the National Careers Service website –www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk – or call 0800 100 900 to get free, personalised, careers advice and guidance. This free government backed service offers tips on how to create a winning CV, has an action plan to use as a motivational tool and includes key facts about jobs that may interest you. In particular, there’s a really useful page titled ‘Returning to Work after having Children’ – take a look!

 

 

Further Study

To refresh or update your skills, a return to study may be an appealing option…

 

Improve your English, maths and IT skills

You need basic reading, writing and maths skills to apply for most jobs or to study further. You normally don’t have to pay to do English or maths to GCSE level, or to enrol on some information and communication technology (ICT) courses. To find a course call the National Careers Service helpline on 0800 100 900 or enquire at your local further education college.

 

Free Open Learn Courses

Open Learn, part of The Open University, offers a vast range of free courses, such as Bookkeeping and Accounting, to Starting with Psychology, to Entrepreneurial Behaviour, for example. Open Learn gives the user access to topical and interactive online content - from expert blogs, to videos and games. Take a look and sign up – www.open.edu/openlearn

 

Affordable Courses in Vocational Subjects

Learndirect, partly funded by the Skills Funding Agency, offers affordable courses in vocational subjects such as business, management, IT and communications. Some courses can be completed in just a few hours, and some can lead to qualifications. Visit www.learndirect.com

City and Guilds has developed hundreds of vocational qualifications across a variety of sectors that meet the needs of today’s workplace. Qualifications are delivered across more than 10,000 training centres and are widely recognised by employers. For more details go to www.cityandguilds.com

 

 

Childcare Options

Once you’ve decided what work or career path you’re going to take, it will help to organise your life ready for this new experience. Finding suitable childcare will be essential so ask at your child’s school or go to www.familyandchildcaretrust.org.uk/nafis for details about your local Family Information Service and useful information for parents and carers of 0-19 year olds.

 

 

Get into teaching with the Dartmoor Teaching School Alliance 

If you are thinking about training to teach, Dartmoor Teaching School Alliance has a range of inspiring courses. Whether you are a new graduate or you are considering a career change, the teacher training available will equip you with the skills to become an outstanding teacher. The Alliance is led by Okehampton College (‘Outstanding’ 2014) in partnership with the University of Exeter (‘Outstanding’ for Teacher Training), bringing together first class school-based training with rigorous academic learning. It offers primary and secondary placements across Central and West Devon. For details visit www.dartmoortsa.org.uk or 01837 650910.

 

35 years of Iron Mill College’s training programmes 

If you’re looking for professional training or a university degree, or if you're exploring the fields of counselling or psychotherapy for the first time perhaps, Iron Mill College has an opportunity for you. Courses starting in Exeter this autumn include the popular Certificate in Counselling, a part-time course which could be your first step towards a rewarding new career. To learn more, visit www.ironmill.co.uk, call 01392 219200, or email enquiries@ironmill.co.uk

 

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