If you want to change careers and money is a problem look at my tips for changing career with little or no money.

Look at opportunities with your current employer

Does your current employer have different areas of the business in which you may be able to retrain and work? This would mean you are still with the same company but learning new skills and gaining new experience. Sometimes even a change of location to a different site may satisfy your desire to change. Also, look at any training course your employer offers that may be of interest to you and grab them with both hands.

Retrain on the job

If you need to retrain to change your career but can't afford to do it full time look at jobs which are trainee positions and earn while you learn. It may mean having to take a drop in wages but if you look at your payment in terms of gaining skills and experience as well as money, you will find that the pay back will be high. Also,once you have learnt new skills you should be able to increase you earnings again. In the meantime, look at my tips for managing your finances.

Get experience with voluntary work

If you can't afford to retrain can you gain experience by doing voluntary work? As well as traditional volunteering opportunities consider offering your services to businesses or companies in your area. If you're committed, enthusiastic and will work for free, you may be able to gain some fantastic opportunities. It will help you build your confidence, your CV and if you work hard enough you may find you get offered paid employment.

Investigate careers with skill shortages

There are careers with shortages that will pay you to train. For example, consider teaching or nursing. If you are entering a profession with a skills shortage you are also more likely to gain paid employment fairly rapidly after completing your training

Hunt for a grant

You will be surprised at the different types of grants available to help you study. Some are even aimed at people according to religion or location. Check out the following websites and don't be afraid to apply.

Student money This includes a searchable database of grants available as well as tools to help you budget and calculate loan repayments.

Educational grants advisory service This also includes a searchable database of educational trust funds as well as advice and support regarding student funding.

Support for learning There is a list of useful websites at this site that may help you secure the funding you require

Look at the financial support at your local college

Many colleges have hardship funds for students without much money. They may also run some cheap or free courses It is worth contacting your local college to see what they offer and whether you would be eligible for help. They may also be able to recommend other sources of financial help.

Get a career development loans

Career Development loans are available for many courses. They allow you to borrow money which the Learning Skills Council will pay the interest on while you are studying and for one month after. For more details look at www.direct.gov.uk.