Short training courses that are worth doing

bankside

I am stuck in an unemployment rut. I am 29. I have been on sickness benefit for some years cause of serious mental illness, now want to work, partly cause I have to coz I am not on sick... but also cause I feel much better mentally.. I am very stable and have a lot of energy, and I have got the rest of my stuff together finally, but now its the worst time ever coz its the recession!

I am well, but I don't have a lot of confidence because have been out of work for so long. I went to college when I left school but my qualifications are worse than useless (Foundation in Art and Design, half a degree in graphic design uncompleted). I feel like I would feel more confident if I did some training, but in todays economic climate I don't want to just waste my time further, and don't want to spend too long studying before actually getting a job, especially coz it costs money.

I am quite fit right now, I workout, and ride my bike, eat healthy, I have am quite good with people, good at communicating, am creative, great problem solver, I have done some voluntary work doing community projects and done some volunteer security at charity events, I am blue belt in Karate, I have taught people art and design at the local community centre.. I also did some little courses in First Aid and Health and safety, but its still not enough to get me into work, even though I have had a lot of help with my CV and everything.

What would you guys recommend. I really have a totally open mind, I just want something that will get me in any kind of solid ,and IF possible, vaguely satisfying or interesting work (big IF I know)..

I have thought of the following: Door Supervision (I am strong and good at talking to people), Support Work, Activity Leader, Adult Learning Teacher or TEFL, Starting my own business, Barbering, Fitness instructor.

Would anyone recommend anything? have you done a course that has got you a job? (just speak from direct trustworthy sources)


ps. I don't want to know about funding or about how to build a CV etc.. I have people helping with that stuff already.

saintjammyswine

bankside wrote: »

I have thought of the following: Door Supervision (I am strong and good at talking to people), Support Work, Activity Leader, Adult Learning Teacher or TEFL, Starting my own business, Barbering, Fitness instructor.

Have you looked into these areas then if you have thought about them?

You say you are not looking for help with funding and that you have thought about areas to train in already so what help do you need?

bankside

saintjammyswine wrote: »

Have you looked into these areas then if you have thought about them?

You say you are not looking for help with funding and that you have thought about areas to train in already so what help do you need?

I need advice on what are the best from people who have done them or know people who have and succeeded.. and recently not like 10-20 years ago..

For example what courses will get you a job.. which ones will help you into work and what things are currently just a waste of time.. what courses are worth it?

bankside

This is about money saving, cause if I do a course that is next to useless I will be wasting time and money, so though maybe some of you can give tip for some training that is definitely worth it.

princessdon

Personally I'd do something like the Princes Trust - or an identify your self type course FIRST. I think you need to explore your strengths, weaknesss, goals, priorities and overall what is important in a job.

I say this because there is a correlation between those with Mental Health conditions and ability to work in evironments they are happy/unhappy in. You could become ill again very quickly if the job isn't right for you (and training doesn't mean you will understand the job - different thing entirely).

So I'd ring your local employment agencies (Next Step, Working Links, Ageus or others in your local area), the local college etc and find out about courses that help you explore you. They are short enough and for eg the Princes Trust thatI refer to - involves tasters on many of the courses you say ^^^^.

princessdon

bankside wrote: »

I have thought of the following: Door Supervision (I am strong and good at talking to people)- you will get work in this area, lots of it around - your first aid will be good for this.

, Support Work - plenty of work

, Activity Leader - not likely without a level 4 qual

, Adult Learning Teacher - After the recent review and changes a foot not much change if anything without a degree.

TEFL highly competive field and work is often sporadic (ie not enough to do full time and some weeks you may have zero hours

Starting my own business - , No idea so can't help
Barbering - no idea so can't help
Fitness instructor. - It is a longer course than you think for this and a competive field.


ps. I don't want to know about funding or about how to build a CV etc.. I have people helping with that stuff already.

Others I would consider if I were you that are SHORT courses that are recruitable - Swimming Instructor? Mental Health Support Worker? Call Centre?

Above all - IF you have a criminal record and your CRB won't be clean this impacts greatly on some of the positions you enquired about - Ie teaching and even door supervisors. If you don't have a CRB that is clean you may be wasting your time on some courses to find employment is slim to nill

saintjammyswine

Best bet for you would be to contact Next Step. They offer free advice on not only careers but also training. We refer people to them a lot for independant advice.

fannyadams

Ask your local scouting group if they want volunteers (Occasional Helpers they are 'officially called') to see if you have the aptitude to work with young people and what age range you are best suited to.
I am an Assistant Beaver Scout Leader and have been Assistant Cub Leader (but gave it up as I realsied I don't 'like' 8-10 year olds) I would like a shot at Assistant Scout leader sometime in the futuren as I am involved in the 'outdoor pursuits' parts of Scouting (camping, backwoods skills etc).
I just did a science technician course at the local Catholic school - it was BRILLIANT and best of all FREE! have a look on your local council wesbite to see about doing FREE courses. also have a look on the Do IT wesbite for volunteering opportunities.
I got my 'teaching job' on an NVQ course in gardening for year 10 & 11 (GCSE age students), it's great. I don't get paid, it doesn't affect my benefit and i get to add this to my CV.
All the best for your future.
FA
xx