Retraining - too old?

[RightsaidMum]

Hi!

I'm 38 this year. Eeek. I've spent the last 12 years raising my four children, who have additional needs. I've always wanted to have a job as a nursery practitioner. I'm not qualified and my long-ago passed GCSEs in English and Maths were B and a D respectively.

Am I too old? I need to start working and I would love to do something I want rather than just filling a need.

I'm also curious if anyone knows the pathway when it's not straight out of school?

I retrained and went back to uni at 37 after ten years at home with DC (one of which also has SEN). I’d say go for it. It’s been 6 years since I qualified and I managed to carve out a pretty decent career with a much better salary than I would have ever got without retraining!

You can do an access course prior to going back to university

@WhatTheWhoTheWhatThe

You can do an access course prior to going back to university

I've never been to uni. I did a bit of college in a different subject, then ended up in retail full time/part time until I had my last child.

Sorry I meant you can do one in order to go to university you don’t have to have been before

Of course not, OP!

You have more working years ahead of you than have already passed. Have a look at the OU, they often do access courses. It might be that you need to get the maths GCSE up to a C (or maybe not) so also take a look at night school courses for GCSE maths.

Not too old at all, best of luck to you

Not too old! I'm 38 and have just started a degree with the Open University. I probably won't qualify for the job im hoping to do until im 43, I will still have plenty of years ahead to work. Its also really nice to be doing something just for me!

I also only have GCSE's which I passed over 20 years ago. The degree with the OU start you off quite gently with focus on the subject as well as getting you up to uni level in essay writing, note taking, referencing etc.

I'd definitely recommend having a look on their website or give them a call as they're really helpful!

Have I read it correctly that you’re keen to work in a nursery?
If so, you really don’t need any qualifications and if you do like it you can do a level 3 NVQ in childcare (organizations will often fund it and study time) and do courses in things like paediatric first aid and SEN in early years.

There are loads of jobs out there and nurseries are struggling to fill them - a sensible and mature candidate will appeal I’m sure even without experience.

My sister went into it from retail in her 30s but has three sons and wrote a good covering letter outlining her applicable experience. A few years on snd she has her pick of jobs and the hours she wants, the level 3 qualification and is training in SEN and has been offered management roles.

Go for it - nothing to lose.

Of course not!

I did an OU degree in my 30's. Then retrained again aged 40. And am now thinking/pondering what to do for the next set of training.

You can do it. The hard part is deciding what you want to be when you grow up.

@shivbo2014

Not too old! I'm 38 and have just started a degree with the Open University. I probably won't qualify for the job im hoping to do until im 43, I will still have plenty of years ahead to work. Its also really nice to be doing something just for me!

I also only have GCSE's which I passed over 20 years ago. The degree with the OU start you off quite gently with focus on the subject as well as getting you up to uni level in essay writing, note taking, referencing etc.

I'd definitely recommend having a look on their website or give them a call as they're really helpful!

And good for you! These are exactly the stories that people should share. It's an achievement and a great step forward for you.

@booplefloof

Of course not!

I did an OU degree in my 30's. Then retrained again aged 40. And am now thinking/pondering what to do for the next set of training.

You can do it. The hard part is deciding what you want to be when you grow up.

I don't think growing up will ever happen 🤣

@ExhaustedMumma

Have I read it correctly that you’re keen to work in a nursery? If so, you really don’t need any qualifications and if you do like it you can do a level 3 NVQ in childcare (organizations will often fund it and study time) and do courses in things like paediatric first aid and SEN in early years.

There are loads of jobs out there and nurseries are struggling to fill them - a sensible and mature candidate will appeal I’m sure even without experience.

My sister went into it from retail in her 30s but has three sons and wrote a good covering letter outlining her applicable experience. A few years on snd she has her pick of jobs and the hours she wants, the level 3 qualification and is training in SEN and has been offered management roles.

Go for it - nothing to lose.

This is hugely encouraging

@shivbo2014

Not too old! I'm 38 and have just started a degree with the Open University. I probably won't qualify for the job im hoping to do until im 43, I will still have plenty of years ahead to work. Its also really nice to be doing something just for me!

I also only have GCSE's which I passed over 20 years ago. The degree with the OU start you off quite gently with focus on the subject as well as getting you up to uni level in essay writing, note taking, referencing etc.

I'd definitely recommend having a look on their website or give them a call as they're really helpful!

Thanks, I'll have a look. Is there funding?

Thank You! 😊

Yes I have mine fully funded by student finance.

I’ve just retrained as a sports massage therapist at the age of 39. I now have a small business that I’m building up and it’s great. I feel so pleased that I went for it. It’s not too late op, you can do it!

You aren't too old to do an apprenticeship if you are set on nursery work. Do remember that pay is low though so may be you want to consider higher level training for a role working with children.