It is finally December! Christmas is just round the corner and the New Year is within our reach. After what has been a tumultuous year for most, it is no surprise that so many of us will be pleased to see the back end of it. For some people, the new year signifies setting another resolution, trying a new hobby, getting fit and healthy. However, more people than ever are considering a career change – no thanks to the pandemic – with approximately 70% of people looking to change careers as a result.

If you are one of those people looking to change careers, you have probably thought of the ways that you can smooth out the edges to your existing skills, or how to learn new ones. Particularly if you are considering a drastic career change, you will potentially have to retrain in some areas. If you have found yourself searching for ways to learn a new skill, look no further! We have detailed a helpful list of skills to turn your hand to this new year.

Research

It seems straightforward when considering a new job: find what you are good at and apply from there! While this works for most people, it is also worth considering what else is on offer and having a search around. Admittedly, it is easier to apply for a job where you already fit the bill, but by stretching yourself to your limits and out of your comfort zone, you could find a new skill you never knew you possessed or find something which you prefer doing. After all, the world is your oyster!

Learn a Language

Being able to speak and understand another language is a helpful skill, especially for travelling. While most of us have been unable to travel anywhere this year, it has provided us with the time and opportunity to sit and learn a new language. If you have not already had the chance, or have been busy with other, more-favoured hobbies, consider picking this up as we head into the new year. You could even make it your resolution!

With only 38% of British people able to speak a second language, there is no better time than the present to explore the wonderful world of linguistics. With plenty of resources and fun apps – such as the likes of Duolingo – out there, you are spoilt for choice! Spending 15 minutes a day on something like this, will have you ordering your favourite food in another language in no time. Learning a new language not only benefits you in your personal life but can be useful in your work life too. Especially, if you are corresponding with a foreign country! Being able to speak a second language gives you a leg-up into certain jobs and is sought after from many employers. Worth considering if you are in the process of moving careers.

Repair and Maintenance

Another thing which not many people think of but knowing the skills to repair and fix something is worthwhile no matter your age. While you can follow some YouTube videos at home to show you the ropes, they sometimes do not go into enough detail about certain aspects. If you are looking for high-quality teaching on how to repair something, particularly if you are considering a career change to repair work and maintenance, consider signing up to a one-day course, provided by companies like Skills Training Group. Suitable for careers like plumbers, heating engineers, kitchen fitters and more, this is a great way to build up the foundations for getting a job in this sector. Ranging from an electrical safe isolation course through to domestic gas installation courses, there is something here for every budding repairer! To find out more about the courses and what they entail, learn more here.

Computer Skills

While most of us have either grown up using technology or have adapted over the last ten or so years to do so, there are some people out there who are still rather wary about the technological world, and all that it encompasses. Most jobs nowadays, require some sort of computer skill, so it is vital that you have some sort of understanding on how to use them and their software counterparts. It is worth just spending some time while you are at home, going over the requirements of a job application, and practicing the skills that you are falling in, or which you do not have. There is no expectation that you must be a computer whizz, just having the basics will help you in your journey toward getting a different career.

Most of all, relax and have fun! While searching for a job can indeed be a stressful time in anyone’s lives, this is a period of change in your life! Remember to look at every avenue which is in front of you and go forth and find that new job with confidence.