What to Do After You Have Been Made Redundant
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a dramatic effect on many industries, leading to redundancy. Along with this the current job market has become crowded leading to difficulty in finding employment. If you find yourself in this position, you may want to consider taking time to evaluate your options rather than pursuing employment straightaway. If you’re thinking about going back to college after being made redundant, or if you’re not sure what path you wish to take, here are some suggestions you may want to consider.
Start your own business
Being made redundant might be a good opportunity for you to try working for yourself. There may be an opportunity to create a new product or service you could provide. You may possess skills or knowledge that you could provide to organisations on a freelance basis. Think about what you’re passionate about and if that could be made into a brand new career.
Read our blog post on how to turn your hobby into a career.
Get guidance on your next steps
If you need guidance on applying for a job or writing a CV, then studying an employability skills course at college might be a good option. The Prince's Trust Personal Development Award course helps students develop their CV, interview skills, career planning and personal development.
Study full-time at college
If you are looking to take your career in a different direction, a full-time course may be a good option for you. Although it may sound like a large commitment our full-time courses usually run around two to three days a week with additional home study. This means that you will still have some time to fit other commitments around your studying such as a part-time job. Studying a full-time course usually grants you with funding via a bursary or student loan, meaning that you can work towards your new goal with the financial support.
Study part-time at college
This might be a good opportunity for you to try studying something new. Many college courses are now part-time (one to two days a week) or in the evening. You can study with less commitment, and around other responsibilities such as childcare or work. Studying a part-time course could be the first step in a brand new career, or an opportunity to improve your current skills.
Go to university through a college pathway
The Scottish Wider Access Programme (or SWAP) are courses for those who left school more than three years ago, and want to go on to study at university. These courses contain condensed learning designed to fast track you to a university degree. SWAP courses at Edinburgh College include Access to Medical Studies, Life Sciences, Arts Social Sciences and Primary Teaching and more.
Gain new skills through a training course
With an Individual Training Account (ITA) from Skills Development Scotland (SDS) you could get up to £200 towards the cost of a training course. Students use the money to build skills needed for a job. It’s a loan you don’t have to pay back. Find out what courses are ITA eligible on the SDS website.
Ready to apply? View our courses.
