Developing your transferable skills for life – Free Adult Training Courses after School or College

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, your learning journey doesn’t end when you leave full-time education. Lifelong learning is a vital component of your ongoing career journey and you’ll continue to receive training and develop transferable skills at every stage, opening the door to new experiences, increased responsibilities and hopefully job promotions and pay rises too! Learn about free adult training courses and why there are important.

So why is continuing to expand on your transferable skills after school or college so important?

• The Changing Nature of Work

The nature of work has changed significantly in recent years. Automation, artificial intelligence, and globalization have transformed industries, creating both new opportunities and challenges. What was once considered a stable career path may now require constant adaptation. This shift underscores the importance of lifelong learning.

• The Role of Transferable Skills

Transferable skills are the versatile tools in your career toolkit. They are not industry-specific but can be applied across various roles and sectors. Examples include communication, problem-solving, adaptability, leadership, and critical thinking. These skills act as the glue that holds your career together, enabling you to pivot when necessary and excel in different environments.

• Competitive Jobs Market

Having a broad skill-set or a specific knowledge base can also help you have the edge in job interviews or when you’re up for consideration for a promotion or secondment. It will help keep your CV competitive and show that you’re willing to learn to current or future employers.

Lifelong Learning after School or College

There are so many different ways to continue developing your transferable skills through free adult training courses or funded pre-employment programmes. Here’s just some of the opportunities you could explore:

• Free Adult Training Courses for Young People

For young people under the age of 25 (or 30 in some cases), numerous fully funded training courses offer a head start in career development. These courses may focus on employability skills tailored to specific jobs or broader skills like leadership and IT programming. Prominent training providers like The Prince’s Trust, Street League’s Academy Programme, and Catch 22’s Creativity Programme with TikTok offer opportunities for personal growth and career readiness.

• Pre-Employment Courses and SWAPs

Pre-employment courses and Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) are FREE intensive training programs ranging from one day to 12 weeks. These courses equip you with job-specific skills, often aligned with a particular employer. Whether it’s becoming a Security Officer at Manchester Airport Academy, gaining a CSCS card in construction, or enrolling in a Digital Edge Coding Bootcamp, these short courses help bridge the skills gap and prepare you for immediate employment.

• Apprenticeships:

Apprenticeships are not just for recent school leavers. They are available at any age or stage of your career, ranging from Level 1 to Level 7. You might choose to start an apprenticeship directly after leaving school or opt for one instead of pursuing a traditional university path. Furthermore, employers sometimes offer apprenticeships to upskill their workforce, whether in leadership or project management roles. Apprenticeships enable you to earn while you learn, making education accessible throughout your career.

• Adult Courses:

Local colleges offer an array of free or low-cost adult courses. Whether you’re interested in full-time, part-time, or evening classes, there’s something for everyone. These courses encompass diverse subjects, from bookkeeping to landscaping to teaching training, empowering you to change careers or acquire new skills at any stage of your professional journey.

Continuous Learning On the Job

Your learning journey doesn’t have to be separate from work either; it continues to evolve in the workplace with plenty of opportunities to develop your transferable skills in an informal or formal setting:

• Stay Informed: Continuously monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and market shifts to remain relevant and adaptable.
• Internal Training: Many employers offer internal training programs. Take advantage of these opportunities to enhance your skills and stay aligned with company goals.
• Volunteer for New Responsibilities/Projects: Step out of your comfort zone by volunteering for new responsibilities or projects. These experiences can expand your skillset and showcase your versatility.
• Mentorship: Seek guidance from mentors within your organization. Learning from experienced colleagues can fast-track your professional development.
• Online Learning: Tap into the wealth of online courses and webinars to bolster your knowledge and skills. Online learning platforms offer flexibility and accessibility.
• Personal Development Plan/Goals: Set clear personal development goals and create a plan to achieve them. Tracking your progress ensures you stay on the path of continuous growth.

Summary

Lifelong learning isn’t a choice; it’s a necessity in today’s ever-changing job market. Embracing opportunities for growth, whether through free adult training courses, apprenticeships, adult education, or continuous learning on the job, is the key to career longevity and success. Your journey as a learner continues long after you leave the classroom, and the skills you acquire along the way are your passport to a brighter and more resilient future. Make a commitment to lifelong learning, and watch your career soar to new heights, no matter where you are on your professional journey. View some of the local training providers here…