Furlough – What it means for your learning opportunities

Even though the government has started introducing phases to bring us out of lockdown and get people back into the workplace, the reality is – it may be a while before you can safely return to work.

So what can you do with this time? How can you make the most of it?

For a lot of people, furloughing has stopped them from getting new/additional part-time jobs (to help them pay the bills) or from undertaking other roles within their employers businesses. Now, while this is ideal for many who have got kids at home, this extra time could be used to enhance your work skills/qualifications.

How can you learn while furloughed?

You may be trapped at home, but there are many ways you can expand your skillset without you having to leave the house.
Take the following:

Online courses require no college registration or classroom attendance, but can be completed at a time and pace of your choosing. This means you can tailor your chosen online course to work around your family commitments, AND gain a valuable qualification that will make you even more enticing to employees.

At the same time, furloughing gives you the chance to assess your current job situation and determine your satisfaction levels. Are you where you want to be in your current career, or do you want more? If it is the latter, then you can use online courses to spruce up your CV and improve your odds of getting a promotion/a new job once the Corona situation has calmed down.
Likewise, if you’re unhappy in your current job, you can use this time to assess your likes, dislikes and hobbies, and decide if any could be transformed into a new career. You never know – your love of photography could be turned into a rewarding new business.

In other words, being furloughed is an opportunity to re-evaluate your life and use this added freedom/time to research new avenues (should you find you want a career change). So while for some furlough is a frightening experience, don’t let it be one for you. Instead, use this time to your advantage and consider the possibility of learning something new.

To learn more about our range of online courses, visit our website today.

Like this article? Spread the word

Why you can trust the Association of Learning

The Association of Learning provides high-quality, accessible online education. Collaborating with awarding bodies like AQA, Edexcel and OCR, they offer over 250 globally recognised courses. Highly rated with 4.7/5 on Trustpilot, they're listed on Reed Courses, FindCourses and more. Explore inspiring learner stories. Contact their friendly team for quality, flexible learning opportunities to upskill your career.

How To Be Your Own Boss

Ready to be your own boss? Dive into our comprehensive guide to create a solid action plan, gain essential skills, and manage your finances effectively. With practical tips and resources, you'll be well-equipped to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into a successful reality!

What are QCF, NVQ, and RQF Qualifications? What’s the Difference?

The RQF replaced the QCF in 2015, which replaced the NVQ in 2011. Confused? You’re not alone. Today we’ll break down these frameworks, iron out the confusing bits, and answer the following questions: What is an NVQ? What is a QCF? What is an RQF? How do RQF courses work? When did the system change?...

How to Gain Counselling Experience in 2023

So, you're considering becoming a counsellor! With qualifications, insurance, and professional memberships to consider, you have a lot on your plate. But once you've conquered these, there's one more battle to face: gaining relevant counselling experience and client hours. For many, this is the most exciting step in their counselling journey so far, but the question remains: Where can I get experience? In today's blog post, we'll be breaking down all the ways you can gain relevant experience in 2023. From volunteering to working, and everything in between.

Popular Summer Jobs

Maybe you’ve just finished college or university and you’re looking to work somewhere over the summer holidays. Or maybe you’re at an impasse in your life where you want to change things up, but are not sure how. Whatever your reasons for seeking out a summer job, the good news is there are a variety...

What are apprenticeships and what do they entail?

If the prospect of spending another 2 plus years in education doesn’t sound appealing after completing your GCSEs, then signing up for an apprenticeship could be the route for you. You see, unlike college courses which expect you to sit at a desk and learn in a classroom, apprenticeships differ as most are designed to...

Comments (0)

Join the conversation

Your email address will not be published
What’s on your mind?*
Your name*
Your email*