The thought of returning to education as an adult can incite concern and fear in many people. Whether you’re working long hours, juggling family responsibilities, or worrying it’s been too long since you sat in a classroom, there are many reasons you could be apprehensive at the prospect of getting back into the academic saddle.
But it’s never too late to learn, grow, and redefine your future.
In fact, re-entering education later in life has many benefits, such as boosting your earnings, starting a new/progressing your career, expanding your professional network, and following your university dream.
With this article, obtaining these seemingly elusive advantages is easier (and closer) than you think. Tick off these steps one by one, and you’ll unlock your true career potential.
Start By Defining Your Career Goals
The perfect course for you will help you achieve your aspirations. So, selecting the right path starts by defining your career goals. You can do this by asking yourself a simple question: what do I want to achieve afterwards?
Some example goals include:
- Exploring a new career
- Strengthening skills you already use in the workplace
- Building knowledge for a new role
- Updating knowledge to progress your current career
- Working towards a particular role with specific qualification criteria
- Preparing for more responsibility
- Moving into a specialist area
Whatever your dream, be specific. The more specific you are, the clearer your direction and the easier it is to choose the ideal course.
Explore the Different Types of Adult Courses
Depending on your goals, one or more of the various adult course types below will be beneficial. Course types are different from the subject or course material. Rather than focusing on what you’ll study, we’re focusing on how and in what format and timeframe you’ll study.
Professional and Vocational Qualifications
Both professional and vocational qualifications are practical, work-related credentials developed to construct job-specific skills, indicate competence, and help you gain promotions or change careers.
Vocational qualifications are generally based on practical skills and assessments within the workplace, but they can include HTQs (higher technical qualifications) that are designed to cross skill gaps.
Professional qualifications, on the other hand, are awarded by industry organisations or professional bodies. Holding one demonstrates you have the skills, knowledge, and professional standards required to perform your duties.
Access to Higher Education Courses
If you don’t have traditional qualifications, Access to Higher Education (HE) courses prepares you for university study. They’re delivered by many colleges across the UK, including us at Kirklees College, and provide the academic subject knowledge necessary for your next step in just one year.
English and Maths Courses
Since many HE and beyond courses require GCSE-level English and Maths, these courses fill this qualifications gap to obliterate this barrier to entry. Unlike other adult courses, English and Maths courses are typically free for those who are eligible to study in the UK.
ESOL Courses
If English isn’t your main language, ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) courses can help you improve your English speaking, reading, and writing to ensure you get the most out of your career. There are courses at all levels, allowing you to start at the perfect place for you.
Part-Time Adult Courses
For most adults, flexibility is key. So, unlike traditional five-days-a-week learning, many adult courses work on a part-time basis, allowing you to keep up with work and family commitments alongside academia.
Higher Education and Professional Development
Whether you wish to attend university or want to progressive professionally in your chosen career, there are plenty of courses that fall into these categories. Higher education courses are advanced study programs sitting at Level 4 plus, while professional development courses help you gain and develop new skills to achieve promotions/better prospects.
Check the Entry Requirements
Upon selecting your course type, you need to check the entry requirements to verify whether you’re eligible to attend. Each course has specific criteria, so you may need to complete other courses beforehand. But fear not, our wonderful support staff are always on hand to help you figure out your next steps.
Think About How Your Course Fits Around Work and Family
While adult courses are typically flexible, considering how you’ll fit learning around your current commitments is vital. Part-time courses require fewer hours per week, but you’ll still need between ten and 20 hours of uninterrupted study time each week. So, ensure you choose a course timeframe that works for you and your family.
Consider Which Skills Employers Are Looking For
Your interests are important, but employers also decide what they expect from applicants. Thus, it’s vital to check job requirements before choosing your course.
Find a few vacancies from different employers and check each post for:
- Essential and desirable qualifications
- Experience requirements
- Technical and digital skills
- Certificates or training
- Specialist knowledge
If all request the same qualification or skills requirement, you’ve found an area to focus on.
Look at the Career Opportunities After Your Course
Ensure your time in education is worth it by searching for job opportunities upon successful completion of your desired course. If there are plenty of chances to flourish, you know you’re on the right track.
Understand Adult Course Fees and Funding
Some adult courses, like English and Maths, are free. However, the majority require funding — not necessarily funding from your pocket, though.
Depending on the course you’ve chosen, you can be eligible for fee remission. Here at Kirklees College, we use your basic personal information to check whether you qualify for fee remission.
Speak to the College Before Making Your Decision
You’ve done the research; you’ve selected a course; you understand how it’s funded; you’re excited and want to apply right away to re-ignite your learning passion. But we urge you to speak to the college before submitting your application. We can help go over the details and leave no stone unturned to cement the fact you’re making the perfect decision.
Find an Adult Course at Kirklees College
Excited to re-lace your education boots? We can help. Simply browse our adult course range or contact our support staff to kickstart the next chapter of your life. And remember: it’s never too late to reshape your future.