Career Clinic
The expert panel
Our expert panel comprises representatives from the Hotel and Catering Training Company (HCTC), MaydayExec, Bartlett Mitchell, Learnpurple, Conran and Portfolio International.
The question
I have been off work for three years with prostate cancer. After surgery, injections and radiotherapy I'm recovered, but no longer keen on a "hands-on" kitchen job. Consultancy or training interests me, so any suggestions?
Have you considered going into further education? To become a lecturer you need a strong background in the area you wish to teach, plus a relevant academic, trade or professional qualification.
There's no upper age limit for entry. You could begin by teaching a few classes and then progress to full-time lecturing work. As a new entrant you must train for further education teaching, either before or at the start of your teaching career. The qualification you work for must be endorsed by Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK), the Sector Skills Council for further and higher education, community and work-based learning, and information and library - see www.lifelonglearning.co.uk.
If this isn't for you, you could seek associate work with an established consultancy or training provider.
Associates work when needed, and are usually paid only for the work they do. If you decide to approach prospective organisations, be sure to have a clear idea of what you're able to offer and why they would want to have you working with them.
Jane Sunley, managing director, Learnpurple
Each week our expert panel will answer your career questions. If you'd like to submit a question, send it to chris.druce@rbi.co.uk.