Career Returner’s Toolkit: Free Videos, Courses, and Templates

The best free resources for women returning to work in the UK include GOV.UK’s Free Courses for Jobs, which offers flexible training in various sectors like digital, health, and childcare. The Skills Toolkit by the National Careers Service also provides free online courses to help you upskill or change careers. For those looking for structured support, ivee offers a free Return to Work Bootcamp, a virtual programme that includes coaching, CV assistance, and interview training. You can also access coaching from Career Returners, which provides confidence-building and career planning support.

Building confidence starts with preparation. Consider joining a Return to Work Bootcamp like ivee’s free programme, which provides practical coaching and support. Career coaching can also help you set clear goals and overcome self-doubt. Practicing interview skills is crucial. Use mock questions to get comfortable talking about your skills and career break. Finally, reconnecting with your professional network can provide encouragement, valuable advice, and potential job leads.

Women returning to work can benefit from a variety of free online courses. GOV.UK’s Free Courses for Jobs programme offers training in areas like digital marketing, finance, and health care. The Skills Toolkit from the National Careers Service provides a mix of digital skills, CV writing, and communication courses. For those interested in expanding their digital skills, Google Digital Garage offers free courses on topics such as digital marketing, business skills, and career development.

Career coaching for women returners is available through several UK-based services. ivee’s Return to Work Bootcamp offers free coaching, including confidence-building, CV support, and interview training. Career Returners is another great option, providing tailored coaching for women who are re-entering the workforce. Work Happy Mums also offers coaching, focusing on confidence, work-life balance, and career planning.

The UK government provides various support options for women returning to work. This includes free training through the GOV.UK Free Courses for Jobs programme, which offers fully funded courses in key sectors. The National Careers Service provides free career advice and planning tools. For those who qualify, Universal Credit’s Work Allowance can help support you financially as you transition back into employment.

Networking can be an invaluable tool for women returning to work. You can join online communities like the Career Returners Professional Network on LinkedIn, which connects you with over 9,000 professionals. Attending networking events hosted by organisations such as Women Returners and Career Returners can also help you expand your professional connections. Additionally, platforms like Meetup offer groups such as the Women’s Career Network Group UK, which provides a supportive community and regular events.

The best CV templates for returners are those designed to highlight your transferable skills and recent training or volunteering. The GOV.UK Returner Toolkit provides free CV templates specifically designed for those returning to work. ivee’s Learning Hub also offers a customisable hybrid CV template tailored for career returners. If you prefer to design your own, Microsoft Office offers free, easily editable templates.

Yes, ivee offers a free Return to Work Bootcamp designed for women who are restarting their careers. This programme includes practical coaching sessions to rebuild confidence, CV and LinkedIn profile support, and training on interview and salary negotiation skills. You can join directly through the ivee website.