How old is too old for a career change?

[smithyca]

After being made redundant due to covid I now face the prospect of job hunting. I've done low skilled jobs all my life and have no career as such. After talking to my work coach and expressing my regret at not taking my career more seriously she suggested retraining and maybe starting an apprenticeship. I've always thought they were for school leavers but since she's mentioned it I can't stop thinking about taking the chance and going for it. So my question is AIBU to think at the age of 38 I can retrain and start an apprenticeship or are they for the kids? Has anyone done an apprenticeship later in life or knows someone and from an employer's point of view am I too old?

That's good to know @LEMtheoriginal. It's hearing things like this that gives me hope. Originally I was devastated to lose my job but I'm starting to see it as a second chance and being more positive about the future.

Of course you can! I'm 43 and I'm two months away from graduating with an AHP NHS degree, I've had my job offer at my placement hospital since November so my new career is all waiting for me!

I've done an Access course as my A levels were not in science so I've been studying since 2017, got offers from all the unis I applied for and my new career is so in demand I could probably work anywhere I chose. My age has never ever been a barrier (I worried about it so much before I started to the extent that I put off starting my studies for 3 years because I had no confidence!).

I jettisoned a lovely office job to do this and I don't regret a thing. Ok that's a lie, I'm deep in dissertation hell right now but it will all be over soon and I can crack on with the 25 years of work I've still got ahead of me
Just wanted to give a positive perspective, go for it!

This woman's a bit younger, but you're definitely not too old for either a new career and/or an apprenticeship.

civilservice.blog.gov.uk/2021/02/11/im-living-proof-youre-never-too-old-to-be-an-apprentice/

You are definitely not too old! I’m 37 and started a 4 year degree last year. Go for it.

Go for it! Sounds like a great opportunity and you'll never be as young as you are today. The HR option sounds the most in demand and with the best earning potential and trajectory.

@Scratchpostkitty

Can I be cheeky and ask roughly what you are retraining in?
It's just that I am a similar age to you in a job I loathe and you have given me hope

Do it! I'm 41 and two years into a four year degree course for my mid-life career change Whenever I feel old I just remind myself that there's (hopefully!) an awfully long time until retirement, and surely it's better to spend that time doing something you're passionate about.

@maquisdesade I am training as a dog behaviourist. I currently work with children and have done for about 22 years. I'm feeling very positive about it all.
DH started an apprenticeship with a large company 2 years ago, also mid forties. Complete career change. He is so much happier and his hours are so much better. I was scared when he decided to change. He was the main earner and it was a pay cut. Now career prospects are looking good and it was definitely the best move.
Best of luck if you do go for it. You should!

[quote Scratchpostkitty]@maquisdesade I am training as a dog behaviourist. I currently work with children and have done for about 22 years. I'm feeling very positive about it all.
DH started an apprenticeship with a large company 2 years ago, also mid forties. Complete career change. He is so much happier and his hours are so much better. I was scared when he decided to change. He was the main earner and it was a pay cut. Now career prospects are looking good and it was definitely the best move.
Best of luck if you do go for it. You should![/quote]
Thank you so much