Advice

Thinking of returning to work or learning?

Returning to work after spending time out of the workplace can seem daunting. Those who have been caring for a long time, often worry that they don’t have the necessary experience or work skills that employers are looking for. However, remember that your caring role has likely given you many transferrable skills that would be attractive to prospective employers, in a number of different paid roles and career paths, such as prioritising and organising, time management, negotiating with professionals, communication skills, managing a budget, etc. 

If you are claiming benefits, working or studying might impact these benefits so it would be a good idea to have a benefits check before you make any decisions. Using a benefits calculator could give you an indication of what you may, or, may not, be entitled to. 

Carers UK have a lot of useful ideas and tips for identifying your skills and taking the first steps towards employment and learning. 

You can also contact us to request an appointment with our Advice Worker for: 

• an informal chat about your ideas, needs and next steps
• information about where to find courses that will help to increase your confidence and help you become ‘work-ready’
• information about where you can get help with key documents such as CV’s, covering letters and application forms
• Benefits Advice

Local sources of information, advice and support 

• If you’re looking for work, a new job or new skills for a career change York Learning can provide support with job searching, skills for employment and qualifications. Their programmes are designed to support people with complex lives and support around barriers to work.  

• York Mind run RISE, a support programme for adults who are currently out of work and have barriers to engaging with employment and/or training.

National sources of information, advice and support 

• The National Careers Service have advisers who can provide information and guidance on developing skills and training. You can also search for specific courses on the website – many online courses are free 
• Jobcentre Plus may be able to help with care, training or travel costs to allow you to attend courses or interviews. Ask your local Jobcentre Plus about Work Preparation Support for Carers
• The King’s Trust (formerly The Prince’s Trust) offer support to people aged 16 to 30 who want to gain experience, skills, training and confidence to help them into work
• The Open University offer many free online courses 

You can find online guidance with tips on CV writing and interviews on the following websites: 

• CV Library – for guidance on improving your CV 
• Monster – for help with interview techniques 
• Reed  – with tips on preparing for a job interview 
• Guardian Jobs  – offers advice on job interviews and has a jobs site  

If you need help with the cost of any courses, there are sometimes grants available, depending on your circumstances: 

• you can run a general grants search with a charity called Turn2us who have a database of grant giving organisations 
• there may be specific education grants and bursaries that you can apply for – GOV.UK website has information on this for adult learners