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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 22:54

Thank you. I think I'd definitely prefer social work, if I'm honest - bit worried about the mathematical skills re nursing. I am not famed for my numeracy; in fact I suspect my eight year old is better at Maths than I am!

OP posts:
AyeAmarok · 30/05/2015 22:55

OP you can do a MH nursing qualification in less than two years Smile

Do you have a previous degree?

Original poster
fiveacres · 30/05/2015 22:55

I do, yes, but it is in English Lit so not necessarily related!

OP posts:
scarlettsmummy2 · 30/05/2015 22:56

I work in a related field to social work, as a project manager for a children's charity. A couple of my support workers have come through the volunteering route, alongside community education/ community development college courses. One thing to bear in mind with social work and a young family, is that with children and families work, it can very hard to get part time posts.

Original poster
fiveacres · 30/05/2015 22:58

I don't think I'd be looking at part time necessarily. I'd be starting when DCs were all school age so that's one thing Smile

OP posts:
DarthVadersTailor · 30/05/2015 23:09

Rummikub has given a great suggestion in looking at CAB, I've done a stint of voluntary work when I was unemployed and at the time provided a great boost for my CV. Sometimes they also offer the opportunity to gain a qualification with placements too. Might also be worth looking into Samaritans also, it's not easy work but hugely rewarding and could possibly be relevant to what you're looking to do (nursing I'm thinking here).

Good luck!

Original poster
fiveacres · 30/05/2015 23:10

Thank you. Smile I volunteered at Samaritans years ago when I was still at university. I liked it.

OP posts:
carbolicsoaprocked · 30/05/2015 23:14

I re-trained as a social worker a few years ago (pre-kids, however there were people on my course who had young children). It was a 2 year Master's course. I would REALLY make sure it is definitely what you want to do before investing your time and money. I would try and do various types of front line volunteer work relating to different SW fields, e.g. Mental Health, Children and Families, Criminal Justice, Community Care. Organisations like BASW should be able to help you.

Original poster
fiveacres · 30/05/2015 23:16

Thank you. I'm positive I want to work with children and families.

I know it's not easy but I guess nothing worth doing is.

OP posts:
hannibalismisunderstood · 30/05/2015 23:20

I would really recommend going along to a university open day that offers the course and talk to the tutors. I'm a placement manager at a uni but no longer in healthcare but I know that the tutors are the best to ask about the placements... many unis have open days in June and October so check their websites

Original poster
fiveacres · 31/05/2015 08:36

Thanks hannibal.

I would try that, except I don't think I'll be able to go this or next academic year - it would be the one after, so probably 2017.

OP posts:
twentyten · 31/05/2015 08:40

Hi. It doesn't matter when you plan to go- if you go to open days now they will give you more ideas and you can work towards it. You can also see what childcare they offer.

Original poster
fiveacres · 31/05/2015 08:42

That's really helpful, thanks Smile

I think the universities would be a little far to actually take the children to - would have to book a nursery place back 'home', but obviously the main issue is logistics of placements.

Mind you, people cope in more difficult circumstances I am sure.

I am quite excited about it Blush

OP posts:
twentyten · 31/05/2015 09:52

Go and look! Uni open days are good funSmileseriously it may well inspire you and help you see your way through. You could talk to them about volunteer stuff etc...... Go and get all you can!!

StillFrankie · 31/05/2015 10:00

Depends on where you are.

In Scotland, you'd go to Skills Development Scotland
England - you should look at National careers service
Wales - Careers Wales

hannibalismisunderstood · 31/05/2015 11:55

Have a look atwww.whatuni.com/advice/subject-guides/social-work-degree-guide/49218/ this seems to have some good information.

Regarding childcare, once you are at uni you can also apply to the access to learning fund which might be able to help fund the childcare, plus you will have access to a wide range of children's nursing students, childhood study students etc who may be looking for work looking after children (and will have a DBS check etc. ??)

Original poster
fiveacres · 31/05/2015 11:57

Thank you. Smile

Does anybody know how I can just get a list of the universities that offer a social work masters? Google is just throwing up ads!

OP posts:
Rummikub · 31/05/2015 13:17

Here

www.ucas.com/ucas/postgraduate

Original poster
fiveacres · 31/05/2015 13:26

Thank you Flowers

OP posts:
NinkyNonkers · 31/05/2015 13:40

I really want to retrain as an ed psych, but it would take nearly 5 yrs and I'm not sure we have the resources.

NinkyNonkers · 31/05/2015 13:41

Sorry, no help there just a 'oooh, a career change thread' burble.

Original poster
fiveacres · 31/05/2015 13:41

This is largely what worries me. I think it's doable though - hope so?

OP posts:
Rummikub · 31/05/2015 13:45

It's doable. You have to want it enough. Consider how to overcome any barriers that present themselves and don't let them stop you.

Original poster
fiveacres · 31/05/2015 13:49

Main barriers are childcare. I think that should be manageable though. I'm also a bit worried about how I'll cope with the academic side of things.

OP posts:
Welshmaenad · 31/05/2015 13:55

I've just finished my first year of a social work BSc. I am really, really enjoying it. We are using breakfast clubs and after school clubs for childcare and will be using a childminder one day a week from Sept. Luckily my husband works shifts and can be quite flexible about days off. In the holidays we use a holiday club and DH takes his scheduled days off in the week.

I'm in Wales so different funding might apply to you but I can claim via Student Finance for the majority of my childcare costs. I also receive a bursary in all 3 years from the Care Council for Wales but understand bursaries in England are less generous.

If there's anything you'd like to ask me, just go for it.