Monika W
I’m a mum of two cheeky kids who are now old enough to do more for themselves. I want to work in childcare so I recently did a course to get qualified and next week, I will start volunteering in the local Children’s Centre.
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Scroll down the page to view the next sections: 'Gaining skills & experience' and 'Get support & advice'.
Key information
1. Developing your English language skills can help you to find well-paid work
Improving our English language skills has qualified us for a wider range and better paying jobs. There are many free or low-cost ways to learn and practise from attending classes (‘ESOL’) to downloading free language apps, and watching TV with English subtitles!
- Read more in our dedicated section ‘Learning English & UK Culture’
2. There are many course types and subjects to choose from
Learning courses cover a range of subjects from Maths to Computing and Accounting. Reflect on the skills you have and what you want to develop
- Most courses are taught locally in colleges, schools and other community settings
- Enjoy flexible learning - many options can fit around your work and family commitments, with part-time (evening) and online-learning
3. Get support to find the right learning opportunity for you
There are a number of local organisations in Haringey that can help you find and secure work, develop your skills and experience, and support you in the workplace.
- The organisations listed in this section offer free and confidential advice
4. Some courses are free or discounted for people who earn a low income
- Ask if you are eligible to attend a course for free or at a discounted rate
- If you are asked to pay the full fees, they may be options to get help with the costs such as a grant - ask the course provider directly or reach out to local support organisations listed in this section
5. Volunteering is an excellent way to gain skills and experience
Not only is it fun and social, but it’s also a great way to develop your experience and skills for work. You can also use volunteering to explore different roles if you’re unsure about what you want to do for work.
6. Check if your professional qualifications are recognised in the UK
You may have to re-qualify, or take special exams to convert your current qualifications. Get in touch with:
- A local support organisation listed in the next sections
- NARIC UK - an government-supported organisation that helps people to get their qualifications recognised. You usually need to pay for their services.
Gaining skills & experience
It’s never too late to gain qualifications, skills and experience
We’ve all taken steps to develop our careers through volunteering or further learning. It’s helped us to make important connections and better our chances of finding work. Here we outline the main options and who you should contact to get you started.
Adult learning courses
Learning courses cover a range of subjects from Maths to Computing and Accounting. Many provide a certificate or qualification that you can show to a future employer.
- Most courses are taught locally in colleges, schools and other community settings
- Enjoy flexible learning - many options can fit around your work and family commitments, with part-time (evening) and online-learning
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How much will it cost?
Some courses are free of charge or offered at a discounted rate for certain people, for example, those who earn a low income. If you are asked to pay a fee, find out if you can get help towards the costs with the support of local organisations (see next section for details):
- Apply for a loan or learning fund - some colleges offer funding through the ‘Learning and Skills Council’
- Enquire with your employer - they may cover part or all of the fees
- Ask Jobcentre plus about government-funded courses - their aim is to get people into work and stay in work
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How can I find out more?
- Ask the Connected Communities programme team - they have a range of courses for adult learners run by ‘Haringey Adult Learning Services’ (HALS)
- Ask at the The College of Haringey, Enfield & North East London (CONEL) - they offer apprenticeships and courses across a range of subjects, including free short courses
- Ask at your local Haringey library - most libraries have a list of local adult course providers. You will need to register to access their services
- Ask at your local Jobcentre Plus - if you are receiving financial support from the government, the centre will direct you to government-funded courses that help you find work
- Ask your employer - they may recommend you to some courses, and help to fund your learning
- Search for courses online - there are many providers but Learn Direct is a government-sponsored organisation and provides some courses free of charge
Volunteering
Volunteering is offering your skills and time to an organisation without being paid. Not only is it fun and social, but it’s also a great way to develop your experience and skills for work. You can also use volunteering to explore different roles if you’re unsure about what you want to do for work.
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Where can I volunteer?
There are many opportunities in and around Haringey, so everyone can find a role that suits them! You could help in one of the following:
- A charity shop
- A local food bank - where food and other basics are provided free of charge to people in need
- A soup kitchen - where free food is served to people who are homeless
- A community garden - where people grow plants and other produce together
- A local community centre or support organisation - a place for local people to meet for events, classes and activities
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How can I find out more?
- Speak to organisations directly that you would like to volunteer with
- Contact the Haringey Volunteer Centre by sending an email to hello@volunteerharingey.london
- Search online by entering the postcode of your address with ‘Do-it’
- Ask the Connected Communities programme team
- Ask at your local Haringey library or check their noticeboard
Learning English
If you are not confident in English, we advise you to develop your skills further. Improving our English language skills has qualified us for a wider range and better paying jobs.
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How can I learn?
The best way to learn is to attend classes and extend your learning outside of the classroom. Your first option should be to enrol on an ‘English for Speakers of Other Languages’ (ESOL) course. It is government-funded and usually free of charge or low-cost for EU citizens. Other ways to learn include:
- Online (e-learning) - using free language apps like Duolingo
- Offline tools such as watching English programmes with subtitles and children’s learning programmes
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How can I find out more?
Read more about ESOL courses, online learning and other ways to practise your English in our dedicated section, ‘Learning English & UK Culture’
Get support & advice
There are local organisations who offer free and confidential help to find you the right courses and training opportunities.
Further information and advice is available from national organisations:
- Learn Direct - for free or low-cost online courses here
- National Career Service - by calling their helpline (0800 100 900) or browsing their online information here