The value of L&D for career changers

1 in 4 UK workers are currently dissatisfied with their careers, according to a report from St James’s Place. But Santander found that 22% of adults worry about having the ability to learn a new job. If you’re looking to change career but feeling nervous about lacking the necessary skills or experience, learning and development could be the answer.

How can L&D benefit career changers

Acquire industry-specific skills

L&D programmes are designed to equip individuals with the specific skills they need to succeed in their target industry or role. These skills may include technical abilities, e.g. coding, project management, or cybersecurity, or soft skills such as leadership, communication, or problem-solving. For career changers, these courses can help bridge the gap between past experience and new career requirements.

Gain industry recognised certifications

Depending on the course, L&D can often result in achieving certifications that are recognised and respected globally. Examples include PRINCE2® for project management or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) for cybersecurity. These qualifications indicate to employers that you have industry relevant skills, validating your knowledge and demonstrating your commitment to growing in the profession.

Boost your confidence

Changing careers can be daunting, but L&D helps individuals feel more prepared and self-assured by providing them with a structured knowledge and practical training. Making use of case studies, simulations, and real-world exercises, training can allow you to practice in a safe environment, reducing the fear of the unknown. Seeing measurable progress will build your confidence, ensuring you present yourself well in job interviews.

Build transferable skills

L&D goes beyond industry-specific knowledge to develop broader competencies, such as leadership, communication, adaptability, and critical thinking, that are invaluable in any field. Building these transferable skills allows you to leverage the experience gained in previous roles and showcase your ability to perform new tasks.

Access networking opportunities

L&D initiatives often provide access to industry peers, trainers, and mentors, creating valuable networking opportunities. Whether through group workshops, webinars, or alumni communities, career changers can build relationships that help them learn about industry trends, gain referrals, or discover job opportunities.

Enhance your employability

Employers value candidates who demonstrate a commitment to professional growth. L&D signals to recruiters that you are proactive, adaptable, and invested in your career. For career changers, showcasing newly acquired skills and certifications can make you stand out, particularly if you can demonstrate how these align with the prospective employer’s needs.

How can ILX support your career growth

Hoping to change career but not sure which job is right for you? Our career paths provide advice to help you pursue a role in project management, data science, cyber security, IT and more.

If you’re looking to change career in the near future, training from ILX could be exactly what you need. With a range of courses, we can help you develop vital technical and soft skills.

View our courses now.