Nicola, 42, a primary school teacher, works part-time in a positive parenting group and as a family support worker. Earning £22,000 she wants a full-time job
1 A career in youth justice, working with children between the ages of 10 and 17 who are offenders or at risk of offending, is an option for Nicola. Her professional parenting skills are useful because the service works with parents and young people. She would have to complete the certificate in effective practice qualification, which would be funded by her employer. It would teach her the principles of evidence-based practice and update her on youth justice issues. She could expect to earn from around £20,000 to £29,000.
2 Nicola's council employers might fund her postgraduate training to become a qualified social worker. As a condition, she might have to agree to remain with her sponsoring employer post-qualifying, but the qualification could open the door to other roles with children and young people. There is a national shortage of social workers for children and families. Those newly qualified can earn from £25,000.
3 As a learning mentor working with students who have barriers to learning, Nicola would work across the education sector. Salaries match those of school support workers but some are paid the same as teachers. Experienced mentors can earn around £26,000.
4 A future role as a careers adviser or a personal adviser for the Connexions service is an option for Nicola. The job involves offering career advice and other guidance to 13- to 19-year-olds as well as young people with learning difficulties or disabilities up to the age of 25. She would help youngsters to make a smooth transition to adulthood and employment. The development of the profession is under review but it is possible to start off in a support role with on-the-job training. Salaries start at around £18,000 for a trainee, rising to £29,000 following experience.
5 Nicola could work for youth services in the voluntary or statutory sector. She qualified as a teacher before 1988 so does not have to complete a postgraduate qualification in youth work. Volunteering would give her a taste of the work involved. Qualified youth workers can earn from £22,000, or £28,000 with experience.