Training for a New Career: 5 Things to Consider

If you’ve decided you want to train for a new career, here are five things you should consider which could help you along the way – and make the leap seem less daunting!

How long will it take? 

Time is a key element in any decision to pursue a new career. Consider whether the new career requires any additional training, for example, or whether there is a probation or training period in your new role. If new qualifications are required, the length of time it takes to qualify might vary depending on the level of the qualification. Understanding the new career and the training courses you'll need to complete to get there is paramount!

At Access Training, becoming a qualified tradesperson can take a matter of months, rather than potentially years of apprenticeship work – meaning you can get on the tools, start earning a wage, and progress down your new career path in no time at all.

How much can you expect to earn?

Obviously, earnings will vary considerably while you're training for a new career, depending on what kind of work you pursue. However, it is a good idea to consider doing some research yourself, to ensure that you know the extent of your financial situation, and how secure you will be in your new role.  Perhaps some savings will be required to undertake new qualifications, or a temporary job will be necessary in order to fund your training. Make sure that you are financially secure enough to do the training you need to start your new career. Sufficient planning and financial awareness can make the transition into a new career seamless and secure!

Careers in construction can be very lucrative, especially if you decide to become your own boss. In an era where tradespeople are in increasing demand, work opportunities are well-paid and plentiful. It’s always a good idea to know where you’ll stand financially in your new role and to prepare accordingly.

Do you want to be your own boss?

Your new role might allow you the opportunity to become your own boss. This is a new and exciting prospect, and one which millions of people across the UK are pursuing – in 2019, the number of self-employed workers was at its highest for twenty years.  

Perhaps one of the reasons you became tired of your old career and fancied a change was to give yourself more flexibility and autonomy in your professional life. A career like construction is perfectly suited to achieving this kind of freedom. With the right qualifications, experience and drive, you can start building your brand and customer base with just a few first steps – and a significant part of our course at Access Training is designed to help you commence your new career, whether you want to be your own boss or not!

 How will the change impact your lifestyle?

A new career can affect your life in a number of different ways – your workplace might require you to travel, or take a new route to work, or even to work from home. It might involve a dramatic change in working environment – to go from a stagnant office, for example, to a busy worksite, might require certain preparations and adjustments which it would do no harm to be aware of.

 Have a Plan B!

 Retraining in a new career is no mean feat, especially if you’re departing from a path that you’ve been heading down for a long time. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go for it – people change careers all the time, and it can be an incredibly rewarding, exciting, even life-changing experience. 

Once you’ve made the decision, and are convinced that it’s the right choice for you, then make sure you have enough financial and emotional backing to make the experience as smooth as possible. And if things don’t quite work out the way you planned, make sure you establish some kind of safety net, to give yourself peace of mind. 

But most of all – go for it! Throw yourself into your new journey and embrace the changes which come your way. The world is your oyster!