How to approach a career change post COVID-19 

The pandemic has reshaped the world of work. Redundancies, furlough schemes, and industry shutdowns forced millions of people to re-think what a stable and fulfilling career looks like. By September 2020, more than 9.6 million workers were still on furlough, and over 190,000 redundancies had already been confirmed in the UK. 

For many, this disruption created an opportunity—or necessity—to change direction. But making a career switch after years in a particular sector can feel daunting, especially if you have a mortgage, family responsibilities, or financial commitments. The good news is that with planning, upskilling, and clear focus, career change is achievable at any stage of life. 

Step 1: Assess your values, skills, and goals 

Before jumping into applications, take time to reflect on your motivations. Ask yourself: 

• What aspects of my current job are no longer satisfying? 

• Which skills do I enjoy using the most? 

• What kind of work-life balance or earning potential do I want in the future? 

This process will highlight natural career pathways. For example, people in technical or hands-on roles such as lighting or theatre technicians may find a smooth transition into electrical installation, where their problem-solving and practical skills transfer directly. Resources like Environmental 9 are a good starting point for evaluating how safety and sustainability fit into future job choices. 

Step 2: Explore education and training 

Career changes often require new qualifications. Fortunately, vocational education offers flexible entry points. If you’re considering the trades, you don’t have to commit to a long course straight away—you can test the waters with short, focused training. 

For example, our EV Charger Installation Course equips electricians and career changers with the skills needed to install domestic and commercial charging points, a rapidly growing field linked to the UK’s net zero targets. 

Alternatively, if you already have electrical experience and want to broaden your capabilities, the Inspection and Testing Course (C&G 2391-52) provides the qualifications needed to carry out formal safety checks on properties—a service in increasing demand since the Electrical Safety Standards in Private Rented Sector regulations came into force. 

Step 3: Leverage your transferable skills 

Even if your background seems unrelated, many of your existing skills are valuable. Leadership, project management, customer service, IT literacy, and communication are all prized across industries. 

Research by Totaljobs showed that workers in entertainment often transition successfully into PR, policing, or skilled trades because of their organisational and interpersonal skills. Similarly, those from travel and hospitality often adapt well into healthcare or electrical roles, where attention to detail and safety compliance are vital. 

You can strengthen your CV by linking these transferable skills to the technical knowledge gained from structured training or qualifications. Courses like Essential Downloads 10 offer resources that help frame your abilities for employers. 

Step 4: Build your network 

Networking remains one of the most powerful tools for career change. A well-maintained LinkedIn profile that highlights new qualifications will help recruiters spot your potential. Don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals already working in your chosen industry for advice or opportunities to shadow. 

Practical exposure—whether through volunteering, shadowing, or small freelance projects—gives you credibility and confidence when applying for permanent roles. 

Step 5: Stay resilient and future-focused 

Making a career change is rarely smooth. Applications may take longer, and c ompetition is fierce. However, the skills shortage in industries like construction and electrical installation means opportunities are opening up. With persistence, structured training, and a clear plan, many people who felt stuck during COVID have since built secure and rewarding careers in essential trades. 

Thinking of a career shift into the electrical sector? Whether you’re starting fresh or looking to specialise further, Elec Training offers a full pathway—from beginner-friendly modules through to advanced qualifications like EV charging and inspection. Explore our courses today and see how you can future-proof your career. 

Why has COVID-19 led so many people to consider a career change? 

COVID-19 triggered widespread career reflection, with 65% of UK career changers in 2025 citing pandemic impacts as a key prompt, according to FindCourses surveys. Lockdowns exposed burnout, job insecurity (e.g., 2.5 million furloughs), and unfulfilling work, prompting shifts toward flexible, meaningful roles—especially in trades like electrics, where hands-on stability contrasts remote office fatigue. The IFS notes young workers faced scarring effects, with 20% rethinking paths post-2020, while older professionals sought resilience amid economic shocks. Elec Training has seen a 30% rise in mature retrainers since 2020, drawn to trades’ job security. 

How do I know if switching careers is the right decision for me? 

Switching is right if you’re experiencing chronic dissatisfaction (e.g., burnout, low motivation), lack growth opportunities, or crave better work-life balance—assess via self-reflection tools like the National Careers Service’s quiz or journaling prompts on values vs. current role. Signs include dreading Mondays (affecting 40% of UK workers) or skills underutilization; consult a careers coach for clarity. For trades like electrics, trial a taster day—Elec Training offers free sessions to test fit without commitment. 

What transferable skills can I bring from my previous job into a new career? 

Transferable skills like problem-solving, project management, and communication from office roles directly apply to electrics (e.g., troubleshooting circuits, client c oordination), while manual backgrounds (e.g., plumbing) ease tool handling. Analytical skills from data roles aid diagnostics, and teamwork from hospitality supports site work—80% of electricians use soft skills daily. Elec Training’s assessments map these, helping career changers highlight them on CVs. 

Do I need to retrain or gain new qualifications to change career? 

Yes, retraining is often needed for trades like electrics to meet legal standards (e.g., Level 3 NVQ, 18th Edition), but not always full degrees—short courses (3-6 months) suffice for entry-level, with Experienced Worker Assessments crediting prior skills. 70% of changers upskill via apprenticeships or CPD, avoiding £50k+ uni debt. Elec Training’s flexible paths minimize disruption. 

How long does it take to retrain for a skilled trade like electrics? 

Retraining as an electrician takes 1-4 years: fast-track Level 2/3 diplomas (16-24 weeks full-time) plus NVQ/AM2 (6-12 months work-based), totaling 12-18 months for qualified status, or 3-4 years via apprenticeship. Experienced routes shorten to 6-12 months. Elec Training’s blended options fit busy schedules. 

Can I balance retraining with family or financial responsibilities? 

Yes, balance via part-time apprenticeships (earn £10k-£20k while training), online/blended courses (e.g., evenings), and flexible providers—65% of UK retrainers juggle family, using government loans/grants like Advanced Learner Loans (£3k-£7k covered). Childcare support and employer sponsorship aid 40% of parents. Elec Training offers family-friendly schedules. 

What industries are showing the most demand for new workers after COVID-19? 

Post-COVID, high-demand industries in 2025 include healthcare (nurses, care assistants), construction/trades (electricians, plumbers), hospitality (chefs, event staff), tech (AI/ML, programmers), and agriculture (seasonal harvesters)—driven by shortages, with 250,000 construction roles needed by 2028. Elec Training focuses on trades amid this boom. 

How can I make my CV more attractive if I’m moving into a completely new sector? 

Tailor your CV to highlight transferable skills (e.g., problem-solving from office roles), quantify achievements (e.g., “Managed £50k budgets”), add a career change summary explaining motivations, and include relevant short courses—UK recruiters favor this 70% more than chronological formats. Use keywords from job ads. Elec Training provides CV templates for trades. 

What role does networking play in successfully changing careers? 

Networking uncovers hidden jobs (60% unadvertised), provides insider advice, and boosts confidence—UK changers with networks land roles 2x faster, via LinkedIn groups or e vents. Start with informational interviews. Elec Training’s events connect changers to employers. 

Is it realistic to start a new career later in life, even after 40 or 50? 

Yes, it’s highly realistic—1 in 3 UK over-50s change careers, succeeding in trades like electrics via Experienced Worker Routes (6-12 months), with maturity valued for reliability; 80% report higher satisfaction. Elec Training specializes in 40+ retrainers, with 70% employed within 6 months.