Returning to learning

This article helps you to plan to return to learning and make it work for you.

Step 1: Think about what returning to learning could do for you: 

• help you to return to work
• enable you to do your job better (for example: an IT course, an accounts software package)
• get a qualification that you will need for your job in the future.
• prepare for an appraisal
• get a promotion at work
• change career (for example  to social work, primary teaching, police or  ambulance work or joinery) 
• plan for redundancy
• help you with reading, writing and numbers
• get skills to run your own business
• improve your English
• take a new direction after you retire
• learn a new skill
• have fun (for example, learn a new language, take up salsa dancing, keep fit, learn to paint or play music).

Step 2: Find the course which suits your life-style best

• Do you want to learn part-time during the day?
• Do you want to take an evening class?
• Do you want a short bite-sized course to give your skills a boost or refresh your knowledge?
• Do you want to learn at work?
• Do you want to learn at home or online?

Step 3:  Find out what support is available

• Is childcare available?
• How much will the course cost? Can you get funding?  
• Do you need help with study skills?
• If you have a disability, what support can you get?
• Can you visit the college and speak to the tutor for the course?

Step 4: If you are thinking of a work-related course, find out

• Who validates the qualification?
• What jobs will it lead to? Do employers accept the qualification?
• What is the success rate on the course?
• What are the learning and assessment styles?
• What is the progression? Are there guaranteed links from a further education course to higher education courses?
• Can you get credit for previous learning or experience?
• Can you talk to current students on the course?

Step 5: If you haven’t applied yet, think about what might be stopping you:

 Are you worried about the cost?

• Check out alternative sources of funding such as an ILA. See the article on Individual Learning Accounts (ILAs). 
• Ask the course provider for advice.
• Check the articles on Funding further education, Funding higher education and Funding part time study.
• Ask if your employer would partly or fully fund the course.

Is the course too far away?

• Think about studying at home or online.
• Ask if your local college would run the course in the future.

Not enough time?

• Consider a short course to get you started.
• Find out about how to manage your time.

Not confident?

• Think about a confidence building or return to study course.
• Talk to other mature students. The local college may be able to put you in touch with them.

Do you feel that your written work lets you down?

•  The college or Community Learning can help you.
• Access or return to study courses can also help. 

Do you need help with your English?

• A wide range of courses is available.  Check with your local college or local council.

Is work experience required for entry?

•  Check out the articles on Voluntary work and Work Placements.

Step 6: Make your application

• Check the closing dates.
• Fill in the application form. There are usually guidelines sent with the form.
• Be aware of any Disclosure issues.

Step 7: Go for interview

• Plan what you will wear, what to take with you and how you will get there.
• Check out the format of the interview. 
• Find out if there is a selection test or a piece of written work or short presentation- ask if sample tests are available.
• Check if there will be a discussion group.
• Find out if you will have a panel interview you or two separate interviews with different people.

Step 8  Do it…..

Congratulations, you have a place.

• Be prepared for change - as a person and in your lifestyle, especially if you are going to be a full time student.
• Decide how to use your time.
• Plan for the stress before it happens and avoid it.
• Use your support networks and all the help which is available.
• Look at Step 1 again. Is the course going to do what you want it to do?
• Most of all - enjoy your course and your new future.