Redundancy can mean new opportunities, including the chance to retrain for a new career. In this guide, you’ll find out where to get financial support and advice as well as your options for retraining. You might find that losing your job opens the door to a new career.
Getting advice on careers, retraining and funding
Adding to your existing skills or gaining qualifications in a new area are good ways of improving your chances of getting another job.
They might also give your confidence a well-needed boost.
You’ll find lots of retraining choices open to you when you’ve been made redundant, from apprenticeships and internships to part-time, full-time or distance study courses at college or university.
There’s lots of financial support too.
Helpful links and contact details
- England – National Careers Service or call 0800 100 900
- Scotland – Skills Development Scotland or call 0800 917 8000
- Wales – Careers Wales or call 0800 028 4844
- Northern Ireland – nidirect
Computer and online skills
Visit the UK Online Centres Network at ukonlinecentres.org to find your nearest training centre.
Learn My Way offers free course on using a computer, browsing the web and finding work online at learnmyway.com
Financing your training, studies or apprenticeship
You might not get a huge payout when you are made redundant, but that doesn’t mean you can’t afford to retrain.
There are different ways to finance a career change, depending on the training programme or study course you want to follow – and also depending on any savings or income you have.
Work out which option is right for you – a loan (which you need to pay back), grants or bursaries (which you don’t) or apprenticeships (where you earn while you learn).
Professional and career development loans
The Professional and Career Development Loan scheme is no longer open to new applications, although if you have an existing loan, it will not be affected.
Find out more about professional and career development loans on GOV.UK Opens in a new window
Student loans
Over half the people studying for degree courses in the UK are over 21 – it’s never too late to go to college or university. Or indeed, to go back!
Grants and bursaries
Usually available from government, charities, or the college or university that you’re planning to go to, but you need to search them out.
Look for training grants on the Turn2us site
If you’re over 16, on a low income and living in Scotland, check out the ‘pay to learn’ programme on the My World of Work siteOpens in a new window
Apprenticeships
If you’re aged 16 or over, an apprenticeship can be a good way to move into a new career.
You’ll earn while you learn, and might come out with improved job prospects.
Find out more about apprenticeships at GOV.UK Opens in a new window
Claiming benefits while you retrain
As soon as you’ve been made redundant, you need to claim all the benefits you’re entitled to.
And when you sign up for an apprenticeship or study course, make sure you claim any extra help such as money towards childcare.
