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Returning to learning after a break

Learning can be enjoyable, and it’s a great way to catch up on anything you missed out on at school - or prepare for your next career move.

Skills are becoming more important in today’s workplace, and doing a course could open up new job options.

Whatever your reasons for returning to learning, there’s lots of support available to help you.

Free advice from the National Careers Service

You can get free careers and skills advice from the National Careers Service, online, by phone or email and face-to-face. For more information and advice about careers and learning see the National Careers Service website.

• National Careers Service: 0800 100 900
  

• Find careers, learning and skills advice

• National Careers Service Opens new window

Understanding your strengths

Learning new things is part of everyday life. Even if you haven’t been in a classroom for years, you’ve probably still been picking up the key skills needed to make you a successful learner:

Adult learning: finding the right course

If you're not keen on exams, don’t be put off. There are many courses which let you show what you’ve learned in a less formal way. Assessment can also involve:

• building up a portfolio of work as you go along
• a practical demonstration of your skills

Remember that you may be able to get financial support - including help with the costs of childcare.

Many courses offer you the chance to study in a way that suits you, so you can fit learning around other commitments. You could consider a course that lets you do some or all of your studying at home. This type of course is sometimes called ‘self study’, ‘distance learning’, ‘open learning’ or ‘e-learning’.

• Find an adult learning course

• Help with learning costs: an introduction

Considering higher education?

Most universities have a significant number of ‘mature’ students, and will often consider a range of qualifications when looking at applications. You may also find that you’re given credit for previous work experience.

If your qualifications don't meet the standard entry requirements for higher education, one option is an Access course. You don’t necessarily need any formal qualifications to do an Access course, and it allows you to develop study skills, knowledge and confidence.

Remember that you can study a higher education course at many local colleges as well as at universities. Bear in mind that you can apply for student finance - including, in some cases, extra financial help if you have children.

• Getting into higher education as a mature student

More useful links

• Changing career (employment section)

Useful contacts

• Adult learning contacts