Log on and train to gain prospects

CAN YOU acquire useful qualifications while still employed? William Blake continued working as a data analyst while he completed a Higher National Diploma in Business Accounting.

The 32-year-old from Dorking, Surrey, started an online course with Arden University to pursue his higher education ambitions in his free time.

It meant that William, who has a 16-month-old daughter, could fit studies around his job. He now plans to go on to a full degree course.

He says: ‘I wasn’t able to follow my intended route into higher education. I knew it was something I’d return to later in life when the time was right.

‘Since then, I’ve built a career in data analysis, but I’ve always envied colleagues who had qualifications. I knew not having specific credentials could hold me back.’

While a sense of personal achievement was William’s primary motivation for studying, the encouragement from his employer had a ‘significant’ impact.

‘While working towards my HND I was building key skills — multitasking, prioritising workloads and operating to deadlines,’ he says. ‘There is a satisfying moment when you realise that what you’re learning is helping in your day-to-day life.

‘At work I was given additional responsibilities and opportunities for progression. I’ve been promoted twice and received a pay rise in recognition of my achievements. ‘ Knowing that my employer supported and encouraged my desire to learn made a massive difference to me.’

Averill Buchanan worked as a graphic designer before retraining as an editor and proofreader with the Publishing Training Centre’s proofreading by distance learning course.

Averill, from Belfast, had already launched her own business and she concentrated on it fulltime after the course.

She says: ‘PTC courses are the gold standard of distance learning for editorial skills.

‘They’re highly regarded by publishers and professional organisations and are a great asset, even if you don’t end up working as a proofreader or editor.’