Retraining is a smart move if you’re looking to take a new direction in the job market. But what if you don’t currently have an employer to cover the costs? In that case, funding a training programme or course can feel like a barrier. Fortunately, there are more options than you might think, and with the right information, you can get started in a targeted way.
In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about funding retraining without an employer. From available grants and funds to practical tips on career guidance: by the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what steps to take.
What is retraining, and when do you need it?
Retraining involves learning new skills or undertaking training in a different field, so that you can set your sights on a new role or sector. You need retraining if your current knowledge and skills no longer match the demands of the labour market, or if you deliberately wish to take a new direction.
This may happen following redundancy, during a prolonged period of unemployment, or when you notice that your sector is shrinking or undergoing significant change. People who wish to change direction for personal reasons also regularly opt for retraining. The difference between retraining and further training is that retraining involves a bigger step: you’re not just refining your current knowledge, but entering a completely new field.
A career change requires self-awareness: knowing who you are, what you’re capable of and what you want. That self-awareness forms the basis for a successful transition to a new career.
What funding options are available if you don’t have an employer?
If you are unemployed, you have access to various funding options for retraining, including the STAP budget (or successor schemes), local authority grants, sector-specific funds and loans through DUO. Which option is best for you depends on your circumstances and the course you wish to take.
Government options
Through the UWV and local authorities, the Dutch government regularly offers support to jobseekers who wish to retrain. If you are receiving unemployment benefit, you can submit a training application to the UWV. The UWV will then assess whether the course will improve your prospects on the labour market. Local authorities also have their own budgets for people who are on social security benefits or at risk of becoming so.
Sectoral training funds
Many sectors have their own Training and Development Funds (O&O funds), which are also open to people wishing to enter the sector. Examples include funds for the healthcare, engineering or construction sectors. Check with the fund for the sector you wish to move into, as the conditions vary from fund to fund.
Loans and own funds
DUO offers student loans for certain courses, including for adults who have studied before. This is an option if other forms of funding are not available. In addition, some educational institutions offer payment plans that allow you to spread the costs.
How do you apply for a retraining grant as a jobseeker?
As a jobseeker, you can apply for a retraining grant via the UWV, your local council or a relevant sectoral fund. The application procedure varies depending on the scheme, but in all cases you must demonstrate that the training will improve your prospects in the labour market.
At the UWV, you’ll start with a meeting with your employment coach. Together, you’ll look at which training course suits your profile and the opportunities on the labour market. You’ll then submit a training request, setting out the course, the costs and the expected benefits. The UWV will then make a decision based on the course’s relevance to the labour market.
At the local authority, the process is handled by a client manager or job coach. They will guide you through the application process and can also refer you to additional support schemes. Make sure you always have a clear plan: which course, at which institution, what are the costs, and how will this improve your chances of finding work? A concrete and well-reasoned plan significantly increases your chances of approval.
Can you pay for retraining yourself, without a grant?
Yes, it is certainly possible to pay for retraining yourself without a grant. You can opt for a DUO loan, a personal loan, your own savings or a payment plan arranged through the training provider. What’s more, some retraining courses are more affordable than you might expect, especially if you opt for shorter or online programmes.
Paying for your studies yourself gives you more freedom in choosing your course and when to study. You aren’t dependent on approval from an authority and can start sooner. Do bear in mind the total costs, however: as well as tuition fees or course fees, study materials, travel costs and, possibly, a loss of income may also be factors if you work fewer hours whilst studying.
It is a good idea to draw up a financial overview in advance and consider which combination of funding sources is most feasible for you. Sometimes, a combination of a small grant and a personal contribution is the most practical solution.
What are the best retraining options for the current job market?
The best retraining options for the current labour market are sectors with structural staff shortages and a growing demand for qualified personnel. These include healthcare, technology and engineering, IT and digitalisation, education, and sustainability and energy.
Within the engineering sector, there is high demand for people with expertise in renewable energy, installation engineering and electrical engineering. In the IT sector, roles relating to cyber security, data analysis and software development are rapidly growing in popularity. The healthcare sector is constantly looking for nurses, carers and support staff.
When choosing a career change, it is important to consider not only market demand but also your own talents and motivations. A career path that suits who you are will lead to greater job satisfaction and success in the long term. Understanding your own strengths and the job market is an essential step in this process.
How does a career coach help with retraining without an employer?
A career coach helps you retrain without an employer by providing insight into your talents, motivations and opportunities in the labour market. The coach guides you in making an informed choice about a new career path and supports you in applying for funding and drawing up a concrete plan.
Many people know they want something different, but aren’t sure exactly what or how. A career coach helps you answer those questions. Through targeted discussions and, at times, scientifically-backed tools such as talent assessments, you’ll gain a clear picture of who you are and what you have to offer. That insight forms the basis for a successful career change.
In addition, a career coach can help you take a realistic look at the job market: which sectors are growing, what skills are in demand, and how can you position yourself as an attractive candidate? That combination of self-awareness and market knowledge makes the difference between a gamble and a conscious, promising choice.
How Nieuwkans helps with retraining and career changes
At Nieuwkans, we support employees and jobseekers who want to take the next step in their careers. We believe that everyone can shape their own future, and that starts with self-awareness. Our programme for sustainable employability for employees helps you do just that.
What we offer:
- Personal insight into your talents and cognitive behavioural preferences using the BrainsFirst methodology
- Support in exploring opportunities in the labour market that suit who you are
- Tailored coaching focused on your personal goals and circumstances
- Support in making practical decisions regarding retraining and a career change
- Two interactive sessions on sustainable employability, now and in the future
Would you like to know how we can help you with your next step? Contact us and find out what Nieuwkans can do for you.