From Social Care to Cybersecurity: Michelle’s Journey to a Digital Career

Michelle Williams, a mother of two, decided to pursue a career in the digital industries to create a flexible work-life balance. She wanted a career that fit around her family commitments while providing long-term career prospects.

After her youngest child started full-time school, Michelle began searching for a job. However, she quickly realised that many employers required flexible availability, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends – which were impossible due to her family responsibilities. Her partner worked night shifts on a rolling rota, further complicating their childcare situation.

“I wasn’t planning on going to college, but when my youngest started full-time school, I realised it was time to explore my career options. No one seems to want anyone who isn’t flexible, and as a parent, that’s just not possible.”

Michelle previously worked in adult social care before having children, but the demanding 12-hour shifts made it impossible to return to that field.

“No one offers childcare that late at night, and even if they did, the cost would be overwhelming, especially on minimum wage.”

She realised that many flexible job roles required digital qualifications, which she didn’t have at the time.

Determined to upskill, Michelle explored local colleges and found Barnsley College, conveniently located near her home. The College offered exactly what she needed to transition into the digital sector.

“A lot of jobs required Python programming skills, and that’s what the College offered. I started with a Level 2 in Programming, then just kept going, developing a career plan based on the qualifications I needed.”

Since then, Michelle has completed courses in:

1. Website Design and Development
2. Software Development
3. Games Technologies
4. Cybersecurity

While still exploring her career path, Michelle enjoys programming the most but is also interested in game development.

“When I first started, I looked at data-related roles like data analyst or data engineer because those were the jobs available when I was job searching. But with the variety of courses the College offers, I can explore different career paths. I plan to complete a Higher National Diploma (HND), which will open up even more job opportunities.”

Michelle was able to access funding to undertake these courses under the Adult Education Budget (AEB), through Free Skills for Jobs.

“A lot of people don’t realise that funding is available if you meet the criteria. Many think college is just for young people, but I’m 40 years old, and it has been life-changing for me.”

The College’s central location made it easy for her to balance family and studies.

“I can drop my children off at school and then head to College. The teachers are flexible too – sometimes I need to leave early to pick up the kids, and they understand.”

Michelle’s journey demonstrates that career changes are possible at any stage of life. With the right resources and determination, she has successfully transitioned from social care to a promising career in the digital sector, proving that it’s never too late to learn new skills and build a better future.