January is often a time to decide what we want to achieve In the New Year and that can include reflecting on your career. You may want to learn a new skill, return to work or change carers completely.
A new career could be something that fits more easily around family life or something you find more fulfilling. You may even want to take the plunge and set up your own business.
Knowing where to look is key and Hertfordshire Opportunities Portal (HOP) is a one stop shop with everything you need to know about careers and training. It is focused on jobs and opportunities in Hertfordshire and gives you plenty of advice on where to go for information.
If you’re thinking of a career change or want to learn a new skill before you return to work, here are a few options available to you:
Skills Bootcamps
Skills Bootcamps have been developed with businesses to address skills gaps in the local area. They are delivered in a flexible format and you’ll receive 60 hours of guided learning either in person, online or a mixture of the two. The aim of the Bootcamp is to help you gain the skills you need to get started in a new career. If you are a Hertfordshire resident who is unemployed, self-employed or wanting to change your career, they are also fully funded.
Skills Bootcamps also offer careers support once you have completed your course to help you get your next job or start your own business.
Courses currently on offer include:
- Digital Marketing Skills
- Childminding
- Early Years Professional
- Event Management
- Sustainable Business Manager/Carbon Reporting Manager
- Retrofit Assessor/Coordinator
- Mental Health Peer Support Worker
- Sports Coaching
Find out more by visiting Hertfordshire Skills Bootcamps
College Courses
North Hertfordshire College offers an exciting range of both professional and leisure programmes. Whether you’re looking for a course to advance in your current role at work, pick up new skills, completely change your career, or wish to focus some time on yourself there could be something that suits you.
Courses offered include:
- Creative Writing
- Art, Design or Photography
- Sports & Fitness
- Psychology and Counselling
- IT
- Teaching
As well as a number of Back to Work Short courses.
View All North Hertfordshire Adult Learning Courses
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are not just for school leavers; you can be an apprentice at any age. Apprenticeships can be incredibly useful to help you into a new career giving you the ability to study whilst earning money.
Apprenticeships that are currently available in the local area include:
- HR & Payroll
- Business Administration
- Childcare
- Dental Nurse
- Optical Assistant
- Accountant
- Travel Consultant
- Marketing
You can also ask your company if they would be willing to put you through an apprenticeship in order to upskill you for future roles.
Find Current Hertfordshire Apprenticeships
Setting up your own Business
Setting up your own business, being self -employed or freelance, can be appealing; you can set your own working pattern, or you can turn a hobby into a career.
If you’re not sure where to start, how about starting with Get Enterprising? This is a full-funded programme that helps early-stage businesses to start, growth and flourish within the count.
Whatever your career goals or ambitions for 2025, doing some research on Hertfordshire Opportunities is a good place to start.