With Coronavirus continuing to dominate everyday life in the UK, some people will find themselves with more spare time. That may be a result of being unable to work from home or because their social lives have come crashing to a halt.

Regardless of the circumstances, the current ‘lockdown’ provides an opportunity for anyone who is interested in retraining but usually wouldn’t have time.

Learning something new in order to change careers isn’t always easy. Many qualifications, degrees and some professional awards can be expensive.

But while a lack of finances can make finding the right course more of a challenge, it shouldn’t mean that it’s an impossible task.

Here are four ways to retrain without breaking the bank:

Sign up for a Course

There are many organisations providing short courses (sometimes free) on a wide array of subjects. Visit the websites of Future Learn, Open University, Reed and others to find out more.

If you’re looking for something a bit more challenging (and long-term) then online degrees are also available. The Open University also excel in this area and, depending on your income, you may not have to pay a penny.

Gain Some Experience

Volunteering is always a good idea but it’s even more important in the current climate. There are all sorts of ways you can make a contribution to your local community or some other good cause.

As well as the satisfaction of lending a hand, a volunteering role on your CV can demonstrate work experience in your chosen field and how keen you are.

Train Yourself

Not every job or career requires a degree or other formal qualification. Sometimes, showing how talented you are is more important.

Anyone interested in freelance writing or photography could start a blog or build a portfolio. When it comes to finding work, showing your previous efforts is far more likely to be of use then a certificate. And if you do need any help with the theory behind your role, there should be enough articles online to answer any questions you have.

Have a Side Hustle

Most career changes don’t happen overnight. In many cases, they are slow processes, coming after a lot of hard work and a few setbacks along the way.

That’s why starting off slowly, and working your chosen career as a second job, can be a great idea. You gain valuable experience while still having the security of your boring old full-time role.