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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Where can an adult go for career advice?

64 replies

fiveacres · 30/05/2015 20:38

I think I have roughly decided that i want to retrain within the next three years and I know (again with rough parameters!) what I want to do.

What I need is advice on the best sorts of voluntary or paid work to aid me in my application, advice on accessing childcare (will have two preschool children) and ensuring my qualifications are all relevant.

As an adult, I don't know where to access this sort of advice! Does anybody?

OP posts:
Original poster
fiveacres · 30/05/2015 20:39

Apologies, thought I was in 'chat'.

Never mind - if anybody knows, I'd be grateful Grin

OP posts:
Chchchchangeabout · 30/05/2015 20:44

Not sure about the childcare (I would probably post a question about that on mumsnet.)

For the other questions you could approach someone working/hiring in the area and ask nicely to buy them a coffee in exchange for advice. Or if there is a professional body for that area, you could contact them.

What is the area? Who knows, someone here might work in it and be able to help.

Alanna1 · 30/05/2015 20:44

I think Councils have people but what you are looking for sounds harder than that. You want childcare advice as well as employment advice. Perhaps try the university you'd be attached to in re-trainning?

Original poster
fiveacres · 30/05/2015 20:44

I'm interested in social work primarily. Also tentatively toying with MH nursing Smile

OP posts:
Donthate · 30/05/2015 20:46

Contact the national careers service and they will put you in touch with a local free advisor. Don't pay anyone the NCS advisors are great.

Original poster
fiveacres · 30/05/2015 20:47

Ah thank you Flowers

OP posts:
Chchchchangeabout · 30/05/2015 20:49

Interesting areas. Don't know myself but maybe someone who comes along will - or if not repost with a query about that area in the headline.

Universities is a good idea. Ask for someone from the careers department though rather than admissions. Admissions are there to sell you the course, careers dept more likely to be honest as they have to pick up the pieces if someone has been badly advised. I would still bear in mind that they are paid by the uni though. Ask to speak directly to some recent alums.

Original poster
fiveacres · 30/05/2015 20:49

My main concern would be regarding the placements. I really, really want to do it and make it work, but it IS going to be hard with children of course.

OP posts:
Chchchchangeabout · 30/05/2015 20:50

NCS a good idea and can do no harm. But unlikely to be able to give you the best answers to the specific questions you have about the field and how to enter it.

Rummikub · 30/05/2015 20:51

CAB is good for volunteering opportunities. Anywhere were you work with people. Some probation hostels will also take on volunteers.
Hospitals usually have volunteer offices.
Check out the do-it.org website for volunteering opportunities.

Rummikub · 30/05/2015 20:52

Local colleges are probably the best place to get free good quality careers advice.

burntthesprouts · 30/05/2015 20:52

Not sure but unless you're on benefits definitely NOT the job centre! I learned this when I bumbled in my local one to see what was available after 10 years being a SAHM - advice? Guidance? Nah! After making it past the security guards (!) I was met with a weary looking employee who said that as I wasn't in receipt of benefits there was nothing they could do. I was rather surprised and left feeling rather dejected. On the scrap heap obv. as I wasn't a meaningful statistic for them to massage! How old are you - that makes a difference in terms of schemes that might be available to you.

Original poster
fiveacres · 30/05/2015 20:54

I am 33 - not on benefits.

I'm really hoping to use 2016 to volunteer and/or enhance my qualifications and then look into starting in the academic year 2017/18?

OP posts:
Chchchchangeabout · 30/05/2015 20:58

A decent college/uni running the course you are interested in should be happy to put you in touch with graduates who had a similar experience to you - ask to speak to people who juggles placements with childcare.

Original poster
fiveacres · 30/05/2015 20:58

Thank you Flowers They aren't HUGELY helpful on the phone - must keep trying.

OP posts:
Rummikub · 30/05/2015 20:59

Just in case you haven't seen this. It's a good starting point.

nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/SocialWorker.aspx

Original poster
fiveacres · 30/05/2015 21:01

Thank you very much!

So glad I posted here now Grin

OP posts:
Original poster
fiveacres · 30/05/2015 22:26

What is positive is that I already meet the entry requirements. It is literally just the childcare that could prove very difficult.

Has anybody studied with young children?

OP posts:
ilovesooty · 30/05/2015 22:45

Yes, National Careers Service - I used to be subcontracted to them. For volunteering you should have a local centre. Other wise www.do-it.org.uk

Original poster
fiveacres · 30/05/2015 22:46

Thank you Smile

Would the national careers service be able to indicate what TYPE of voluntary work I should really be doing?

OP posts:
ilovesooty · 30/05/2015 22:48

They should do if they're any good.

ilovesooty · 30/05/2015 22:50

Have sent a pm.

Original poster
fiveacres · 30/05/2015 22:50

Thanks. I'm doing a tiny bit of work, but I don't think it's as relevant as I'd hoped and to be honest it's proving a little bit much for me just at the moment. Since I only do 6 hours a week I feel a bit pathetic in saying that, though.

Do you have a one to one with a career person?

OP posts:
IamtheDevilsAvocado · 30/05/2015 22:52

Try also the studentroom - search online. Lots of mature applicants for all sorts of courses!

On the face of it- social work placements and usually practise are usually a bit easier to fit in around kids. Usually MH nursing... At least at uni are often shifts.

ilovesooty · 30/05/2015 22:54

Yes you get a one to one with an adviser.