Why Lucy Chose These Courses
After spending 15 years raising her children, Lucy was ready to return to return to work after a career break. While she valued her time as a parent, she felt uncertain about how employers would view such a long break from work.
“I needed to return to paid employment, and I didn’t think anyone would want to employ me after such a long time of not working,” she explained.
Without recent references, with an outdated CV and limited confidence in her digital skills, Lucy knew she needed support. When she received information about free courses from Wandsworth Lifelong Learning for people aged 40 and over returning to work, she decided to explore the opportunities available.
She was encouraged by the wide range of courses on offer, from Microsoft Word and Excel workshops to personal and professional development programmes such as First Time Manager, Building Resilience and Empowering Women. These courses offered the practical skills and confidence-building support she felt she needed to prepare for employment.
What She Gained from the Experience
Lucy enrolled on several courses and quickly began to see the benefits. Learning essential digital skills helped her feel more confident using workplace software and updating her CV.
“It felt empowering to be able to add computer skills to my CV without feeling like a fake,” she said.
The support of her tutors played an important role in her progress. Through the First Time Manager course, Lucy discovered strengths and transferable skills she had not previously recognised. The course encouraged her to reflect on her experience, build confidence and think differently about her potential.
As her confidence grew, so did her willingness to take opportunities. Lucy applied for a job she previously would not have considered and was delighted when she was offered the position.
“I have no doubt that I would never have had the guts to apply for this job,” she said.
Today, Lucy continues to embrace lifelong learning and is keen to develop her skills further in areas such as Microsoft Teams and Google Classroom.
Her Advice for Future Learners
Lucy understands that taking the first step back into learning can feel daunting, but she believes the rewards are worth it.
“Definitely do it! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Your confidence and employability will increase if you really apply yourself to the courses that are on offer.”
For Lucy, adult learning provided more than new workplace skills. It helped her rebuild confidence, recognise her strengths and take positive steps towards a new stage in her career.
Wandsworth Lifelong Learning is part of Wandsworth Council, providing publicly funded learning and support for residents.
