Adult training/education advice sought

muddyl

Hi all, i'm looking fir a little advice please if anyone can help?

I consider myself to be fortunate to have a job in these difficult times but like most I'd like a more secure future for my family.

My job has no route for progression or advancement so I'm looking into going back into education.

I've done a bit of googling but most of the results are from private companies. What I'd like to know is where I can get accurate & impartial advice on the likes of funding if I stay in work or become unemployed?

I'm interested in being either an electrician or mechanic as I have some experience in both.

Any advice or pointers?

All help greatly appreciated.

saintjammyswine

National Careers Service are very good and will be able to advise on the route to the required industry.

You should also contact your local FE College who will be able to advise on the courses they have and also the funding available depending on your circumstances.

For example there is funding for people in work who have lower level qualifications called ESF Workplace Learning.

Also, 24+ Advanced Learning Loans https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learning-loans depending again, on circumstances and the course you want to do.

National_Careers_Service

Hi muddyl

If you’re considering training for a change of career, saintjammyswine is right, we are able to help you explore funding options and we’re completely impartial. If you feel comfortable to get in touch with us, we can talk through funding options, taking into account things like your current situation, your existing qualifications and the course you’re looking to do.

In the meantime I was wondering: have you done any research yet into what the industry recognised qualifications are for the electrician and mechanic roles?
Just in case you haven’t, here’s a brief overview:

For the electrician role you’ll need a level 3 qualification such as:

• Level 3 Diploma in Electrotechnical Services (Electrical Maintenance)
• Level 3 Diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems & Equipment (Buildings, Structures and the Environment)

If you want to read a little more about the routes into this role, you might like to look at our Electrician job profile.
For the mechanic role you can either look at an adult apprenticeship route, or take an automotive course at college to learn some of the skills needed for the job. Courses include:

• Level 1 Certificate/Diploma in Vehicle Maintenance
• Level 2 Certificate in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles
• Level 2 Certificate/Diploma in Vehicle Technology.

Again, you might like to have a look at our Motor vehicle technician job profile for a little more information on the routes in.

If you feel like getting in touch for funding advice, you’d be very welcome to contact us.

I hope this helps. Best of luck!

Victoria

muddyl

Hello Victoria,

Thank you very much for your detailed and helpful reply.

I shall have a read through the links you provided and then get in touch with yourselves once armed with more information and a better idea of where I'd like this to lead.

Thank you very much.

National_Careers_Service

You're very welcome. Best of luck!