Options for returners to work

You’ll need to plan ahead to make sure you’re fully prepared to enter the world of work. Even if you know what type of job you want to do, it’s important to research the skills, qualifications, potential earning salary and employers so that you feel confident in making the next step.

• Use the Career Match Quiz to match your skills and interests with different jobs
• Search Job Information to see what skills and qualifications are needed for different jobs

Book an appointment to speak to a Careers Adviser about your options and next steps.

Things may have changed in the workplace since you were last working so you’ll need to be aware of the skills you have or may need to get to apply for certain jobs. You should look at different job descriptions and identify what skills are required. Some things to remember about your skills:

• Life skills you have are work skills too. What you've done during your break from working means that you've probably gained valuable skills and qualities useful to many roles. e.g. planning, financing, communication, caring, taking on responsibility, organising and more - So, think about what you do on a daily basis and the skills you gain
• You have transferable skills. If you've worked in the past then the skills gained are still invaluable to any job you may apply for now, even if it's in a completely different sector - So, write a list of the skills you gained in past jobs and what you've gained during your break from work, this will help you identify any gaps you may have

Take a look at Future of Work in Wales to find out more about the current and future world of work.

To find your perfect job or training opportunity you will need to be looking in the right places. There are different ways to find work and training opportunities and making use of many of these will improve your job opportunities:

• Job websites
• Finding jobs online
• Find unadvertised jobs
• Using social media to find jobs
• Recruitment agency work
• Getting into self-employment
• Apprenticeships

When you find a job or training opportunity you want to apply for you may need to be ready to send your CV, to complete an application form and hopefully attend an interview.

Take a look at Getting a job for information and support with building a CV, writing applications, covering letters and emails and interview techniques.

It may mean that for certain job roles you will have to retrain to become qualified. There are many organisations who can offer training opportunities in different job roles.

Take a look at the courses on offer in Wales - Courses in Wales

Depending on your personal situation returning to work or training may:

• Affect any benefits you may be claiming
• Mean that you are eligible to claim new benefits
• Be able to get financial support with training

Take a look at the benefits calculator on Gov.uk to find out any potential finance implications.

Contact Jobcentre Plus to discuss your financial situation.

If you are taking a training course then you should speak to the provider about financial support on offer.