I want to Retrain, what factors should I consider?

MET-UK's HEAT Manager, Michael Ord, advises you of the important factors to consider when looking to retrain:

When looking at industries:

• Try them out before you commit – try to work alongside a  plumber or tradesperson.    if possible, try to work alongside more than one person and in more than one sector

• Do you enjoy the work? – you won’t earn the money if you don’t like the work

• What are the typical pay and benefits?

• What are the future prospects of the industry? Skill needs and shortages? Future investment and opportunities? Etc

For example,
• Many primary/secondary industries are closing, so engineers are struggling for work, whereas a trade is a vocation and you are not tied to a factory or company.
• The Government is encouraging millions of new homes and renewable energy initiatives – these sectors offer great potential for success.

When looking at training providers:

• Are they properly registered? City and Guilds? CORGI? Etc – properly registered providers have to be audited regularly, so should be more professional. In addition, they are more likely to offer government approved financial assistance packages

• Do they offer work placement? If you are new to an industry, it is often difficult to get that first opportunity. Reputable Training Providers offer a work experience service

• What class sizes?

• Avoid Distance Learning Courses when studying for practical skills – IT and Accounting lend themselves to distance learning, whereas plumbing and construction do not.

• Ask to speak to successful graduates.

The most important thing is to be prepared, and know exactly what you want out of your career change. If you want to be self employed, you must investigate the realities of self employment – it’s not all tax fiddles and holidays, but can often be long hours and paperwork!

More Information?

Our Course Admissions Team are trained to advise on the best path for you.

For more assistance call: 0800 542 72 01 or email: info@met-uk.com