A return to learning can:
- help you to progress your career
- help you to move your career in a new direction
- give you a personal feeling of satisfaction
- give you some time away from the workplace
It is never too late to return to learning, but there are some key questions you should ask yourself to make sure you get the most from the experience:
What do I want to achieve? Do I have any particular careers in mind?
For those who have no clear idea about a career direction, we can help you at Skills Jersey by using diagnostic tests. These ask a series of questions about your interests and abilities, and your answers will generate a list of job ideas. These can provide a starting point for a careers interview with a trained adviser.
If you have a specific career objective then it is important to get accurate and current information about the skills and qualifications required for entry into that career area - we live in changing times.
Which method of learning will suit me?
There are three main methods of undertaking formal learning - full-time, part-time and by distance learning. The method you choose will largely depend upon your individual circumstances, the time you have available and what you want to study. You should also try to consider the type of learner you are; for example, if you don't like working on your own and find it difficult to motivate yourself in that situation then distance learning could be extremely difficult for you.
How long is the course and what is the commitment?
It depends on the learning that you want to do. The most important thing is to consider how it will fit in with and affect your life.
What is the cost and is there any financial help available?
The States of Jersey may be able to help in several areas. There are also some sources of funding through private trusts and scholarships. Before assuming that there is no help available it is worth contacting us at Skills Jersey or Student Finance.