It’s never too late to retrain for a new career – you could even get funding

DID YOU make any resolutions this year? There’s still time!

Maybe one of the areas you’d like to positively change is your career.

Train of thought … focus on the skills you could take into a new line of work

Perhaps you’d love to work in a completely new field, take on more responsibility or even become your own boss. It’s all possible.

But where do you begin? It can all feel so overwhelming. The Skills for Life campaign can help you get started.

Browse training options on the Skills for Life website at your own pace.

One way you could look to boost your skills and employability is by gaining a new qualification, which can be done part time alongside your job or other commitments.

There are government-backed courses at all levels, which can be completed by anyone aged over 18.

Could a Higher Technical Qualification be right for you?

Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are developed with employers so you can get the training and skills you need to succeed at work.

HTQs come in different types, including Higher National Diploma.

They sit between A levels and degrees, and can be taught at a further education college, university, independent training provider or institute of technology.

You can study for an HTQ full or part time.

They are perfect for achieving a high-quality qualification that can set you up for the career you want.

Cyber savvy

Student Khawar Ahmad, 41, says studying for an HTQ in cybersecurity is one of the best decisions he’s made.

The IT graduate lives in Solihull with his wife Asiya, 37, a school administrator, and children Ayyan, 14, Ayesha, 10, and Mustafa, 9.

Khawar had worked in banking for 15 years and was on a career break when he saw an advert about HTQs at his local college. The timing was perfect.

He explains: “After uni I needed a job and ended up going into the banking industry. I stayed there for about 14 or 15 years and there are no regrets. I enjoyed that.

“I started as a personal banking manager and I went all the way – I was the youngest ever branch manager at the age of 21 with Lloyds Bank.

“But then in 2015, I decided to go to Pakistan because my parents were there and my mum was poorly. She was bedridden at the time.

“I carried on working in banking over there but – when we came back three years later – I thought: I need a career change and I want to do something different.

“I used to go to my gym just down the road and Solihull College is on the way. Every time I drove past, I’d see these enrolment banners.

“I’ve always had this urge that I want to do something in IT because that was my original field when I graduated.

“The banner said something like: ‘Adult courses, enrolment is open now, come and chat to us.’

“So one day I decided to go in and see what courses they had to offer, and whether they had something in IT.

“I found out they were doing cybersecurity, which I was really keen on doing. This was last July, with the cybersecurity course starting in September.”

Khawar: ‘It is challenging because I’ve been out of study mode but I’m loving it’

Given his finance industry background, making the move into cybersecurity felt like a natural progression for Khawar. He liked the long-term job prospects and versatility that the industry brings.

“I met the course coordinator, Gary, and he was so positive, a really, really nice guy.

“We had a good chat, and he said to me: ‘There is a lot of theory involved in the first year, but if you’re up for it I think it’d be a brilliant course for you, and you will do really well.’

“I thought: it sounds great – why not?”

It was a big decision: Khawar would be taking on a two-year commitment that would mean managing family life with study, and there would be the costs to consider.

But it was a sacrifice he was willing to make: “I was like, you know what, it’s a no-brainer – I’m doing this because I need a career change and for my family. I’m going to do it.”

The results would be worth it: he knew that cybersecurity is a well-paying profession with opportunities for growth.

“It’s a growing field. If I want to change my career, obviously with having three children, I need to be financially stable as well.

“In financial institutions, healthcare, the government, everywhere, cybersecurity is so important. Everyone is very concerned with protecting data and sensitive information.”

Khawar was thrilled to find he qualified for WMCA (West Midlands Combined Authority) funding.

Even if you’re not eligible for grants, if it’s your first-time accessing student finance, this can help cover tuition costs. There are also maintenance loans to help with living costs, which allow you to gradually pay back the loan once you start earning over a certain amount.

Is an HTQ right for you?

Higher Technical Qualifications are technical qualifications that have been developed with employers, so you can get the right training and skills to succeed at work.

There are new subjects being rolled out each September. In 2024, there will be a range of sectors you can do courses in. They include:

– Digital
– Construction and the built environment
– Health and science
– Engineering and manufacturing
– Education and early years
– Business and administration
– Legal, finance and accounting

They take one to two years, and you’ll come away with a recognised qualification.

Research has revealed courses at this level improve earnings when compared to having A levels, and can boost earnings quicker than degree level study.

There are part-time and full-time options available, allowing you to choose what works best with your schedule.

HTQs come in different forms, including higher national diplomas, higher national certificates, foundation degrees and higher education diplomas.

Look out for the HTQ logo or banner on approved qualifications to be sure they have been assessed against the skills that employers need.

It’s OK if you’ve already got a degree or if it’s your first time studying after school.

You need to be at least 18 but there’s no upper age limit.

Costs vary according to the course but could be around £7,000 to £9,250 per year for a full-time course. You may be eligible for student finance or your employer might consider funding your training.

Just like a bachelor’s degree, you can apply for student finance, which can cover tuition fees and a maintenance loan to contribute towards living costs.

Most bachelor’s degrees take three years to complete, while HTQs can be completed in one to two years, meaning you borrow less and can enter your chosen field quickly.

A new challenge

Khawar attends Solihull College on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9am to 4pm, which allows him to combine parenting responsibilities with study.

“I do the school runs and then head to college.

“I will have to start from zero, but with my expansive experience, I’m sure I can progress through the ranks to be able to provide for my family once I complete the course.”

He is one of around 20 students on the two-year HTQ course learning all aspects of the industry, from computer programming and database management to data protection and the spectrum of cybersecurity threats.

“It’s very interactive with the teacher. One tutor teaches us theory and another teaches the programming.”

Teaching is varied and hands on. At the college they get special guests in, like security experts, to share their expertise on current cybersecurity problems.

Assignments are varied, allowing students to put their learning into practice. For instance, Khawar recently designed a cyber training company called Widney Manor Networking Solutions (WMNS) and gave a presentation on it.

“I’m loving it,” says Khawar. “It is challenging because I’ve been out of study mode. But I’m getting distinctions – proving that I can still do it.

“Being one of the only mature students, a lot of the class come to me looking for advice with projects. I act as a teaching assistant where I can share my advice.

“It’s great being in a mixed class of different ages and I’m glad I can pass on some of my experiences to others who are just starting their career journeys.”

Age is no barrier to signing up, he says. “I had a long discussion with Saana, a lecturer who was a bus driver before retraining.

“I was like: ‘Wow, if he can do it, I can do it as well.’

“If you make up your mind that you want to do this, you can. I’m the kind of guy who likes challenges.”

Khawar says he would recommend an HTQ to anyone. “I might go into lecturing, start my own business or join the many companies looking for qualified specialists right now. I’m not sure yet where I want to go. The sky’s the limit.”