Are you stuck in a rut at work and not making much progress with finding a more rewarding position??

This is a common situation for many people thanks to the recent economic climate – then you may want to consider broadening your knowledge or formalising your existing proficiency with a relevant vocational qualification.

It may be that your ideal job is in an entirely differently sector or requires a whole new set of skills, in which case a targeted vocational course can often help to overcome a lack of hands on experience. If, on the other hand, you are seeking a pay rise or promotion within your existing company then showing commitment through further study could be just the thing to demonstrate your credentials and ambition to your boss.

Study in your own time

You don’t have to attend college and waste a whole session completing enrolment forms and paperwork, being shown around the building, having a lesson on how to use the library and going through the health and safety and fire procedures then have to wait whilst they process a student pass.

You don’t have to wait until the next time until you’re in college to submit an assignment. You can simply email it and it is usually returned to me the next day and I can proceed with the next one at my own pace.

Combine studying with your existing commitments

If you work full-time or part time and have children you can learn at any time, dip in and out or delegate a whole evening to learning and don’t have the stress if circumstances arise that means you cannot do this – you can simply just reschedule to do it another time. In today’s increasingly busy society, distance learning also means that there is no need to attend classes at a set time every week, which can test the commitment of even the most dedicated student.

Distance learning can be fitted around existing professional and personal responsibilities, allowing people to gain a new qualification while maintaining their earning power, family life and leisure time. If you are seeking to improve your profile within your existing organisation then distance learning will allow you to demonstrate drive and aptitude without impacting on your current responsibilities.

No start dates necessary

You don’t have to listen to other student’s questions or have the tutor tied up by other students – the tutor is there specifically for your needs.

A clear advantage of distance learning is the significantly enhanced level of flexibility when compared to traditional courses. This means that you can gain your qualification as quickly as possible and maximise employment opportunities. Rather than being tied to academic term dates - which might mean waiting almost a whole year should an enrolment deadline be missed - distance learning can generally start at any time.

Having no deadlines

With distance learning, you progress at your own pace and submit work or take exams when you are fully ready to do so. This means that if other areas of your life suddenly demand more attention – such as job hunting or increased commitments at work.

Less pressure

If the idea of going back into a classroom is daunting then you’re not alone. In fact, 16 per cent of respondents to our survey said that distance learning would allow them to avoid feeling embarrassed in front of their peers should they get something wrong or take longer to pick up a particular concept. This shows that confidence can be a real issue in inhibiting adult learning, which can be easily addressed by taking study out of the classroom environment.