A new study launched by the UK’s largest online learning provider, The Skills Network, has found that significant career changes for those in Wales are most likely to happen at age 30.5, but 2 in 5 won’t go after their dream job, due to the daunting prospect of having to retrain.
The research analysed answers from 1,000 people across the UK who have made a significant career change, during their working life, and had to retrain as a result. In Wales, people are likely to make six job changes during their working career, suggesting that you don’t have to have it all figured out by the time you turn 16.
In fact, the research shows you’re more inclined to step out of your comfort zone and retrain, as you get older. With 90% of those aged 65 and over saying the prospect of retraining has never held them back.
Results also revealed the impact COVID has had on different industries, with more people moving into healthcare (19%) and sales (14%) roles, from being previously employed in retail (15%) and hospitality and events management (8%).
Richard Christie, Head of Customer Success at The Skills Network knows all too well about how to adapt your skillset when faced with a new challenge – even if that is during a global pandemic. Over the past year he has seamlessly transitioned from Hotel General Manager to leading a customer transformation team for one of the UK’s biggest online learning providers.
Richard Christie said: “Transferring industries and roles is a daunting prospect even for the most confident and at times can be costly. However, having made the switch I found that the fundamentals of the approach were surprisingly transferable, and confirmed that there is no greater value than investing in yourself. Upskilling yourself is both satisfying and rewarding, and taking the time to calmly assess what is important to you is a vital step in crossing that line. The ability to adapt is an essential life skill to constantly build upon, and ultimately leads to over achieving even our highest goals.”
Mark Dawe, CEO at The Skills Network adds: “Retraining for a new career can be daunting at any age, but our study shows that you don’t have to have it all planned by 16 – and in fact, you’re likely to make six changes during your career – and that you’re going to have to keep learning and developing new skills.
“36% of people in Wales still say that they’ve been put off moving jobs due to the need to retrain, but there are plenty of Government training funds and expert online training partners who can help you get there. The shift to a virtual world has seen a rise in online learning, with those in the 25 to 34 age bracket the most likely to have used an online course in 2020**. This makes it easier for people to develop new skills or gain some extra qualifications. If you are furloughed, have been made redundant, want to better your life skills or are just looking to switch lanes, online training is there to support you on your new journey.”
