Next move… if you can't afford education

I'm 28 and worked as a chalet cook in France this winter for five months. I'd like to train to become a qualified chef but have a mortgage and can't afford to go back to full-time education. Can you help?

The answer Your best option would be to take a work-based S/NVQ. It's a nationally recognised qualification and one which allows you to work full-time, as you are regularly assessed on your competency by an assessor who comes to your work place.

As you have already taken a short course, you should have no difficulty in finding a business to take you on. Many businesses offer the opportunity to work towards S/NVQs and there may be funding available, which means that you won't have to pay for the course.

You can find out more about work-based learning at www.hctc.co.uk or www.people1st.co.uk

Johnny Johnson, communications adviser, HCTC

• If you'd like to submit a question, send it to chris.druce@rbi.co.uk