What are the best courses for a career change?
So, you’re thinking of changing careers: lots of people do, even after a number of years in one sector. You might be eager to expand your skill set, looking for something more challenging or even just a change of scenery.
The first step is to think about where you are now, and where you want to go. Does your current occupation have any skills (or even qualifications) that could be transferable to your new career?
If not, that’s okay - it may just mean you need to take the time to build foundational knowledge. You don’t have to enrol in a years-long, on-campus higher education course to do this.
Countless adults with busy lives, responsibilities, and families need self-study distance learning courses they can take right at home. That’s where we come in - Distance Learning Centre offers supported, open learning course materials so you can learn at your own pace.
What are the best courses for changing careers?
So, what are the best courses for a career change? In truth, it all depends on individual aspirations. Right now, we have exceptional offers spanning sectors like tech, education, business and finance.
1. IT and web development courses
Do you like problem-solving or working with technology?
The technology sector offers the best remote working opportunities of any industry. If you've been putting off a move into tech because you don't have a traditional Computer Science degree, it’s time to rethink your strategy.
Employers are far more likely to care about what you can actually build than where you went to university.
If you're curious about how websites are built, our Web Design Professional Bundle can take you from beginner to skilled developer over a flexible 24-month study period.
Or, if you want to test the waters before committing, you can start with the Webmaster: HTML & CSS for Beginners - Level 3 course. This course is a fantastic foundational stepping stone.
2. Teaching assistant and education courses
If you’re looking for a career that offers family-friendly, term-time working hours that fit around family life, becoming a teaching assistant is a very rewarding choice.
During a teaching assistant course, you'll have the chance to make a genuine, lasting difference in children's lives (and schools are always on the lookout for qualified, passionate support staff to assist teachers).
If you're new to the sector and want to understand what the role involves before progressing further, our Teaching Assistant - QLS Level 2 Course is a fantastic entry point that takes around 100 hours of self-study.
Or, if you’re interested in a nationally recognised qualification for a more advanced or specialised role, the Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools - CACHE Level 3 Certificate (RQF) Course provides the exact formal accreditation that headteachers are hiring for today.
3. Business, management and bookkeeping courses
Management roles can be an excellent choice for career changes because many of the skills you've already developed at work may be transferable!
When you already have a keen eye for detail or a natural ability to organise others, developing your knowledge through a dedicated course can help you build on that experience.
Our Bookkeeping - QLS Level 2 Course is a brilliant entry point for those who want to master financial records. It introduces students to the principles of bookkeeping, teaching you how to manage ledgers, day books, VAT, and double-entry systems.
Or, if leadership is more your style, why not pick one of our Business Finance & Management Courses?
We offer qualifications tailored to different career levels, including the Team Leading - QLS Level 2 Course for aspiring supervisors and the Management Studies - QLS Level 3 Course for students looking to step into senior managerial roles.
Why distance learning works well for career changers
You don’t have to put your life on hold to change careers.
In fact, you can remove the very real hurdle that is real life by enrolling on a distance learning course - the convenience of being able to learn when and where you want is part of the reason home study has become the go-to pathway for career pivots.
With a DLC course, you have the flexibility to start preparing for your next step before leaving your current role. By building up your IT skills or working towards a teaching assistant qualification in your own time, you don't have to sacrifice your current income.
The best courses for a career change take you exactly where you need to be. Ready to start your next chapter? Don’t hesitate to contact our team of course advisors to find the right qualification for your career goals.
