Starting a new career after having a baby

Getting back into work after having a baby can be difficult at the best of times; as well as juggling work and childcare, you also have to make sure that you’re covering enough hours to make things viable, while also working out total income between you and a partner. There are several different approaches that you can take to starting a new career, which can include work based learning schemes that can help you to get your foot in the door within a particular industry.

Your first steps to getting back into work should involve reviewing your past experience and skills, and producing an up to date CV and cover letter; contact any old employers to get references, and see whether or not you can get a longer recommendation letter if you’ve been out of work for some time. When looking for a new job, think about whether you need your weekends free, and if you can avoid working nights so you can be back to pick up children from childcare or school.

One option that’s worth looking into are work based learning schemes. There are a wide range of courses that can allow you to train and receive a qualification while completing hours for a business; the professional qualifications that you can earn through work based learning can enable you to create a clear career path, rather than just trying to earn enough of an income to get by on.

In terms of available schemes, courses like apprenticeships offer 30 hours a week of work with additional theory and training courses. However, remember that you may start on a slightly lower salary for an apprenticeship than a full or part time job, and that you’ll have to weigh up the benefits of training and a long term apprenticeship contract against this. There are also a range of short courses available that provide less of a commitment, and can allow you to improve your skill set while you work, or when you’re trying to get back into employment.

Short courses can include everything from basic IT skills to completing training in health and safety, or in catering. These courses are often flexible in terms of the hours that you have to complete, and can be structured around your own schedule if you have problems getting away on certain nights of the week. Courses like a NEBOSH General Certificate in Health and Safety can make you more employable when you’re looking for work, or more likely to receive a promotion in your exiting workplace.

Look at what courses are available online through training providers, and attend careers fairs and days organized by colleges to give you an idea of what work based learning schemes are available. Remember to target a certain degree of flexibility if you’re not sure about your time commitments, and check whether or not there are any opportunities to apply for funding for courses. Getting work and training through a course can ultimately help you towards improving your prospects for a new career.

Taken from: Guest Post (article, By Sophie Wiggins), Google (images).