Skills Minister, , recently visited a Working
Wales careers centre to meet individuals who have turned their
careers around in their 40s and 50s with the support from a
Working Wales career review.
Working Wales are currently running a campaign to encourage more
people across Wales to take up the offer of their free career
review.
The review is an opportunity to explore and consider new career
possibilities with an experienced and professionally trained
careers adviser. It is open to people of all ages who are
considering a career change for any reason, which could include:
- Looking for a better work-life balance
- Planning a return to work after caring for others
- Nearing retirement but not wanting to retire fully
- Career progression
- Working in a shrinking sector and needing to diversify
- At risk of redundancy
- A change in health
- Wanting to make a dream career a reality
- Making a hobby into a career
Since Working Wales began in 2019 until the end of November 2024,
it has supported over 180,000 customers; this includes support
with a career change.
Ian Powell, 55, from Cardiff sought out the service twice in his
career. A trained nurse, Ian used the service initially when he
needed a career change after his circumstances changed. Following
20 years working for an electric and gas utility company he was
given notice of redundancy and turned to Working Wales a second
time.
Speaking of this change of direction in his mid-fifties and the
support he received, Ian said:
“I was a little bit lost … It's a new world, the job's market.
It's a completely different place. The service helped me to
reflect and to be completely honest with someone. Because you
don't realise what you're capable of until somebody comes back to
you with, ‘have you thought of this?'
“The list of jobs I could do when they did the review was
incredible. It was huge. But I wouldn't have even got to that
stage if I hadn't come in and asked for help. And I got a job!”
He now works in a team that supports people to manage their
benefits and bills. This includes help to access emergency funds,
food, and applying for grants and discounts.
Skills Minister, , said:
“Ian's inspirational story shows it's never too late to make a
change or take a new direction. Through their career review
offer, Working Wales are helping older workers to think about
career and skills development, health and well-being, finance and
work-life balance.
“I would urge anyone facing redundancy or considering a change in
direction in 2025 to book a review.”
Notes to editors
