To ask if anyone has retrained in their 40s, and if so, as what?

[tartytowers]

I've never had a career as such; my parents wouldn't let me do A-levels or university and the only thing I was allowed to do was an awful secretarial course at college. I had a few low paid office jobs until I had my eldest at 22. I then was a SAHM for many years and have had in the past few years a few minimum wage shop and reception jobs.

Anyway, I'd really like to retrain to do a career type job. Preferably something that I can do on the job as I really don't want to spend lots on training.

I loved maths at school and wanted to do economics or maths or business and finance as a degree and then work in investment banking or something similar. I know I'm way too old for that though (mid 40s)

Has anyone else retrained in their mid 40s and has anyone got any suggestions for career type jobs where I could train on the job?

Thanks in advance!

uk.indeed.com/m/viewjob?jk=a84e09b82d39751c

This job has expired now, but sounds like it would have been right up your street.

I have also seen apprentice coding jobs with beginning salary @ £21k then going on to earn £25+ once qualified.

A lot of the apprenticeship jobs are £9600 but there are some offering regular wages with a career path.

Firstly - you're never too old to train for something new!

You have a wealth of life experiences which will help you along your path!

Focus on something you really enjoy (Maths etc, like you mentioned) and go for it! I have just left my career of teaching and am quite excited about the doors that have opened to me - I have been trawling the Open University website for ideas of where to go next!

Good luck and let us know what you choose to do :)

I am 48 and after the threat of and then actual redundancy I bought myself 2 open study college modules in sweedish massage and facial massage, I have a guaranteed job when I’m finished the first one and can work towards the second while working. I’ve always wanted to do beauty therapy but u had to go to College full time and I needed to work. This is a relatively new thing studying online for this type of qualification. Go for it you’re never too old. Good luck

I was going to retrain as a nurse in my early 40s, and was advised to work in care to get the relevant experience before Uni. It was a very big eye opener, and after 2 years part time caring I realised that I was going to be burnt out and knackered by 50. As it happened, DH had just lost his PA so I ended up working for him and have retrained as a business administrator! Mainly self taught and on the job, but I enjoy it so much more.

In our business, we actively look for staff over 40 as we find there's less drama so don't let your age hold you back at all. You're wiser, smarter and have a lot to offer.

Look at apprenticeships in Data Science, it's maths, coding, modelling and is really blowing up, tons of vacancies

Accountancy?

I’ve just started an AAT accountancy course at my local college, one day a week and if you earn under £18k a year then it’s only £60 to join.

Watching with interest here. Am thinking exactly the same thing.

You're definitely not too old!

I'm late 40s and am in my 2nd year of a degree with the Open University. And am loving it!

I retrained as a railway signaller at 44 after being a pub landlady for 18 years. I've been qualified about a year now and am starting to apply for promotions.

3 months at signalling school, paid, and then training in your location until "passed out" as competent

I'm retraining at 54. In an extremely niche technical role. I've never done anything technical before but they must've seen something in me. £25k whilst training. I've never been so mentally drained but you are NEVER too old to learn.

I did my QTS this year - secondary teaching
I was 50 this year too

I retrained as an acupuncturist.

DH just passed his HGV test and is about to become a lorry driver. He's 43.
I qualified as a nurse at 34, friend on the course was 50.

I retrained in my 40's. I took the massive leap from NHS clinical psychologist to fashion design, having been a SAHM for several years inbetween. Don't regret it for a second, not even the two years it took me to get my Extended BTEC (equivalent of A levels) in Art & Design surrounded by teenagers who, although they drove me mental in year 1, actually became amazing young women by Year 2 and continue to be friends 10 years on! Followed by 3 years at uni to get my degree.

Youngest DS is looking at economics/finance so although it's not my field per se, I feel like I have some experience in potential routes into the field. Take a look at the apprenticeships offered by investment banks as a starting point. DS applied to JP Morgan, Barclays and Goldman Sachs. They may well be very interested in someone applying from a non-traditional academic background, with a good deal of life experience. JP Morgan in particular strike me as being more interested in person rather than academic grades. Alternatively, you could consider doing an Access to HE course at your local FE college or uni or applying directly to a university for either a foundation degree or in fact a degree. Do your research and contact universities direct. They are very open & welcoming to mature students, IME.

DH qualified as an ACCA accountant at 49. He worked at a local practice while he did it.

I'm 39 and currently doing a degree with the open university hoping to become a social worker.

This is a nice thread. I've no clue how to figure out what to do next!

Yes I was a graphic designer and did a project management apprenticeship age 48-50. Now on a considerably higher salary than in my previous career and manage a small team. I’d stagnated so I’m glad of the change.

Accountant ? Maths teacher ?

Thank you so much everyone! Such supportive, helpful replies and I appreciate them all!

I have to say I do like the idea of accountancy; would I need to look for trainee accountant jobs locally?

I qualified as an accountant last year at age 43.
I started in a basic admin / accounts payable role and the company helped put me through my exams. I was then able to move up within the team into different finance roles.
It was tough going, studying and working at the same time, but so worth it.

I’m in my 40’s and currently in the middle of a Business Analysis apprenticeship. I wouldn’t say this is re-training as I never really trained for anything specific before, but it’s a complete change to what I was doing in my previous work life. I got the opportunity within my existing organisation primarily because I’m extremely nosy and quite bossy 😂

It’s really hard but I'm enjoying it! You’ve got to go for these opportunities when they come up :)

I've been a social work team manger for twenty years. I'm currently retraining to be a florist!

nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/bookkeeper - you can start this way and then work up to ACCA, the accountancy qualification.