Career Growth Through Skills Development.
Ever reached the end of the year and thought, I wish I had learned just one more skill? That moment of reflection, that little what if, is something I hear all the time from my clients. The good news? You don’t have to wait until the end of the year to feel accomplished—you can start today.
We all know learning is important, but let’s be honest—making time for it? That’s where the challenge begins. Between work, family, and everything else, it can feel impossible to squeeze in. But here’s the thing—growth doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It starts with small, intentional steps.
What’s Stopping You from Upskilling?
Let’s talk about the three most common barriers I see when it comes to skill-building:
Time: “I don’t have time” is something I hear all the time. But upskilling doesn’t mean signing up for a full-time course or spending hours buried in textbooks. Learning can fit into your day in small ways—15 minutes of a podcast, reading one insightful article, or watching a short tutorial. What’s one small learning habit you could start this week?
Money: Not all learning requires a hefty price tag. There are so many free or affordable ways to gain new skills—Belfast Met, SERC, and Ulster University offer part-time courses, and platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning have brilliant options. Community groups like Women’sTEC, Conway Education Centre, GEMS NI, People 1st, Rutledge, and Belfast Adult Learning Centre also provide practical training. Have you checked out what’s available for free?
Self-Doubt: The biggest barrier? Ourselves. “I’m too old for this.” “I won’t be good at it.” “What if I fail?” Sound familiar? One of the best lessons I’ve learned is that we don’t have to be perfect to start. Growth happens through action, not hesitation. So, what’s stopping you from taking that first step?
My Journey as an Older Learner.
I’ve always been curious about learning new things—maybe even a bit obsessed with it! I’m a lifelong learner, always eager to discover fresh ideas, improve my self-development, and expand my coaching, career, and mentoring knowledge. I went to university at 28, graduated at 36 with a part-time degree in social sciences, and now, at 50, I’m back in college studying for my Level 5 in Effective Coaching and Mentoring. So, if you're wondering whether it’s ever too late to upskill, I can tell you with certainty—it never is.
The Turning Point in My Career.
I remember the moment when I realised how powerful learning a new skill could be. When I started working as a trainer at TWL Training, I had never delivered training before. But I knew I was passionate about helping people build their careers. Within my first month, I had learned so much—not just about delivering training but about engaging learners, recognising my strengths, and identifying areas I needed to improve.
It wasn’t just about standing at the front of a room and talking. I had to figure out how to connect with people, how to make learning engaging, and how to create an environment where people felt confident to grow. What I lacked in experience, I made up for in enthusiasm, care, and humour—and that made all the difference.
That experience shaped my entire career. It taught me that learning is not about knowing everything before you start—it’s JUST about starting anyway.
How Skill-Building Leads to Real Career Changes.
One of my clients had been living in Belfast for five years, raising their daughter. Now that their daughter was in high school, they wanted to return to work but had no idea where to start. After a couple of coaching sessions, we explored different options and they decided on childcare, even though they had no prior experience.
We built a three-year career plan, mapping out each step:
Level 2 in Childcare as the first qualification.
Self-funding Level 3 after completing Level 2.
Securing work placements to gain practical experience.
Regular coaching sessions at key points to tackle any challenges and keep on track.
Three years later, they are working full-time in childcare, successfully completing their Level 3 qualification, and thriving in their career. This was a journey that started with one decision—to take that first step.
How to Create a Personalised Learning Plan.
Instead of randomly picking a skill to learn, a structured learning plan keeps you on track and ensures you’re building the right skills for your career goals. Here’s how to create one:
Identify Your Career Goals: Where do you want to be in 1-3 years? What skills will help you get there?
Assess Your Skill Gaps: What’s holding you back from progressing? Do you need technical expertise, leadership skills, or better communication?
Set SMART Learning Goals:
Specific: Define the skill you want to develop (e.g., “Master Excel formulas”).
Measurable: Track progress (e.g., “Complete an online course and apply it to my job”).
Achievable: Be realistic about what you can accomplish.
Relevant: Ensure the skill aligns with your career path.
Time-bound: Set a deadline (e.g., “Develop this skill within three months”).
Break It Down: Learning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Break it into manageable steps—start with a beginner course, apply what you learn in small tasks, and gradually build up.
Apply Your Learning: The best way to reinforce a new skill is to use it—volunteer for a project, take on a small freelance job, or practice it in your current role.
Review and Adjust: Learning is a journey, and plans need flexibility. Every 3-6 months, assess your progress and adjust accordingly.
A 3-month plan might focus on learning the basics, a 6-month plan on deeper application, and a 12-month plan on mastery. The key is to start small and be consistent.
The Future of Work: Why Upskilling Matters More Than Ever.
The job market is changing faster than ever. Automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital transformation are reshaping industries, and the skills employers are looking for aren’t the same as they were even five years ago. Job security now depends on adaptability—those who commit to continuous learning are the ones who stay ahead.
Companies are shifting their focus to skills over degrees. They want people who can problem-solve, communicate effectively, and adapt to new technologies. Upskilling isn’t optional anymore—it’s essential.
Industries evolving the fastest include:
Technology: AI, cybersecurity, and data analysis are highly sought after.
Healthcare: Digital health advancements mean more demand for tech-savvy healthcare professionals.
Creative industries: Digital marketing, UX/UI design, and content creation continue to grow.
The old model of “one career for life” is disappearing. If you want to future-proof your career, continuous learning is the way forward. The question is—how are you making sure you stay ahead?
In-Demand Skills and Where to Learn Them.
If you’re wondering what skills will help you stand out, here are some of the most sought-after skills across key industries—and where you can learn them in the UK.
Technology & IT.
Cybersecurity: Businesses are desperate for skilled cybersecurity professionals. Try Open University, QA Training, or FutureLearn for industry-recognised courses.
Data Analytics: Companies rely on data for decision-making. Start with Google Data Analytics via Coursera, CodeClan, or Belfast Met.
Cloud Computing: As businesses shift to the cloud, AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud expertise are in demand. Check out Microsoft Learn, Amazon AWS Training, or Pluralsight.
Healthcare & Social Care.
Health & Social Care Management: Strong leadership is key in evolving care services. Courses at Ulster University, Belfast Met, and Open University can help you step up.
Mental Health Support: Workplace mental health is a priority. Look into MindEd UK, FutureLearn, or Open University for courses.
Business & Finance.
Project Management: Essential across all industries. Recognised certifications include PRINCE2, AgilePM, and Certified Scrum Master (CSM), available through APM, QA Training, and LinkedIn Learning.
Financial Analysis: A must-have skill for finance professionals. Check out ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants), or Kaplan UK.
Marketing & Creative Industries.
Digital Marketing & SEO: Every business needs a digital presence. Try Google Digital Garage, Belfast Met, or LinkedIn Learning.
Graphic Design & UX/UI: Creativity meets technology in these careers. Get started with Adobe’s Creative Cloud tutorials, UX Design Institute, or Shillington College.
Trades & Engineering.
Construction Management & Sustainability: As the industry moves towards sustainability, skills in this area are in demand. Courses are available through CITB NI, City & Guilds, and Ulster University.
Electricians & Plumbers: Skilled trades remain a stable career choice, and apprenticeships are a great route in. Look at Belfast Met, SERC, and City & Guilds for accredited training.
Upskilling doesn’t mean going back to university for years—many of these skills can be developed through short courses, micro-credentials, or industry-recognised certificates. The key is to start with something manageable and build from there.
From Learning to Earning: Monetising Your Skills.
Upskilling can also open doors to new income streams. Here’s how you can turn new skills into financial growth:
Climb the Career Ladder:
Adding in-demand skills like project management or digital marketing can lead to promotions and higher salaries.
Freelance Opportunities:
Sites like Fiverr, Upwork, and PeoplePerHour allow you to earn money on the side while gaining real-world experience.
Starting a Side Business:
Skills like writing, graphic design, or coding can be turned into profitable ventures.
Teaching Others:
If you’ve mastered a skill, you can offer coaching, consulting, or online courses.
Pivoting to a New Career:
Learning a new skill can help you completely switch industries—many people transition from traditional jobs into tech, creative fields, or self-employment through upskilling.
I’ve seen clients successfully pivot into new careers, side businesses, and freelancing opportunities just by leveraging the skills they already had and adding a few new ones along the way. One client who started as an admin assistant developed digital marketing skills and is now working as a freelance content creator. Another used project management courses to land a promotion into a leadership role.
If you’re learning something new, don’t just see it as personal development—think about how it can open financial opportunities for you.
The Role of Networking and Mentorship in Skill Development.
Upskilling isn’t just about courses and certificates—it’s also about who you know and who you learn from. Networking and mentorship can open doors to opportunities and provide real-world insights that you won’t get from online learning alone.
Finding a Mentor: A mentor can guide your career, help you gain confidence, and introduce you to new skills. If you don’t have one yet, try reaching out on LinkedIn, joining industry-specific groups, or looking for mentoring schemes in your sector.
Building a Strong Network: Attending industry events, webinars, and workshops can help you connect with people who can provide valuable career advice. Sometimes, the best learning happens through conversations.
Mentoring Others: Teaching someone else what you’ve learned can reinforce your own knowledge. If you’ve developed a skill, consider mentoring someone starting out in your industry—it’s a great way to grow and give back.
Balancing Work, Life, and Upskilling Without Burnout.
One of the biggest challenges of upskilling is finding the time. Between work, family, and personal commitments, it’s easy to feel stretched. But learning doesn’t have to mean burning yourself out.
Here’s how to make it manageable:
Set realistic goals. Small, regular learning sessions are more effective than cramming.
Use your commute wisely. Listen to podcasts or take an online course in short bursts.
Incorporate learning into daily tasks. Listen to an audiobook while cooking or exercising.
Make learning social. Join study groups or accountability partnerships to stay motivated.
Prioritise rest. Burnout helps no one—taking breaks will keep your learning sustainable.
The Importance of Soft Skills in Career Progression.
Technical skills will get you in the door, but soft skills will set you apart. Employers aren’t just looking for people who know their stuff—they want people who can communicate, collaborate, and lead.
Key soft skills that make a difference:
Communication: Strong communication skills—whether through writing, presenting, or managing clients—are invaluable.
Adaptability: Change is inevitable, and the ability to pivot and learn quickly is a huge asset.
Problem-solving: Employers need people who can think critically and offer solutions.
Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing emotions—both yours and others’—can make you a more effective leader and team player.
Soft skills aren’t always taught in courses, but they can be developed through real-world experience, mentorship, and stepping outside your comfort zone.
What’s Your Next Step?
You don’t need a big, dramatic change to grow—small, consistent steps will take you where you want to go. The key is making learning a habit, not just something you do when you have spare time. Investing in yourself now can open doors you never even considered.
So, here are two questions to think about:
What’s one skill you’ve been putting off learning? Why?
What’s the first step you can take today to start building that skill?
Every skill you develop adds value to your future. The sooner you start, the closer you’ll be to your next opportunity. Ready to take action? Book a free consultation, and let’s map out your next career step together.
P.S. Got a career query - email at info@donnancoachingservices.com
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