In our final post on returner programmes, we’re going to delve into Returner Retraining Programmes: what they are, the pros and cons, where you can find opportunities and how to create your own opportunities.
What is a Returner Retraining Programme
A Returner Retraining Programme is a form of returner programme where people who have taken a long break are retrained into a new or related field.
Many Returner Retraining Programmes are run by employers and include a combination of paid work and study, with no cost to the returner. Although some are newly created, they are usually variants of existing company training programmes, originally developed for graduates or career changers, and adapted for and targeted at returners. Some employers are looking for people with specific transferable areas of experience, such as professional services, whereas others have a broader target and are more interested in assessing potential through candidate skills and attitudes.
Other Returner Retraining programmes are run by training providers, as a segue into a new sector. There will be a fee for these courses.
How is it structured?
The structure of the programmes varies. With some employer-led programmes, participants start in a job from day one, combining work with on-the-job training and study. With others, participants have an initial 2-3 month training course followed by an 9-24 month work placement. They may also receive coaching or mentoring support, although this is less common than with a returnship or supported hiring. Returners often start as a cohort, on various start dates in the year.
With training provider-led programmes, there are usually multiple intakes through the year. Providers do not guarantee a role at the end, but may facilitate networking and other recruitment opportunities between employers and their graduates.
What are examples?
Although graduate training programmes have existed for a long time, employer-led retraining programmes aimed at returners have only developed in the last few years. Numbers remain low. The majority of UK returner retraining programmes to date have been in 2 sectors, tech and financial advisory (e.g. St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Career Change Programme, Quilter Academy).
Examples of training provider-led programmes are Supermums – retraining into Salesforce tech – and Sava – retraining as a residential surveyor.
What support is provided?
The type and level of support differs from employer to employer. Coaching is sometimes on offer, but more typically an internal mentor and/or buddy will be provided alongside the training.
Pros and cons of returner retraining
- If you’re keen to retrain into a new field after your career break, this provides a structured way to do so, tailored for people with previous work experience.
- You may start with a cohort, so have a readymade peer support group. Do check the profile of the group, if it’s important for you, as some retraining programmes mix returners with graduates and others with career changers.
- With employer-led programmes, there is no cost and you are likely to receive a salary while retraining.
- As you are moving into a new field, you are most likely to be starting at a lower level than in your previous career. Don’t see it as ‘starting again’ as you’re bringing the skills and experience from your previous career! Employers target returners as they recognise the value of the transferable skills, business and life experience and maturity that you can bring. They see your potential and expect that your careers will accelerate quickly after the training.
Where can you find current returner retraining programmes?
You’ll find details of all Career Returners current partner programmes and roles on our website here. You can also see details of programmes run in previous years. Bookmark the page and keep it on an opportunities checklist so that you are first to see new programme launches.
What if there aren’t any Returner Retraining options in my area/sector/country?
- Look for opportunities that are targeted at graduates and ask if there is an age restriction.
- If you’re interested in a global employer that is running a programme outside of your country, write a speculative application to the local in-country team and ask if they would consider applications in your country of residence. You have nothing to lose, and it may just catch their interest!
- If you’re interested in a company which has run programmes in the past, but not this year, contact them speculatively to ask if they’re consider re-running the programme
To find out about returnships, see our previous post here
To find out about supported hiring, see our previous post here
