learndirect Blog

Thanks to improvements in video call technology, the online interview is becoming increasingly common. This is in part because of the time and effort it saves both the hiring manager and the candidate. Travelling to an interview is time consuming and can often feel like a waste if you’re unsuccessful. Not to mention the cost of travel. Similarly, some employers will pay travel costs for candidates which – if recruiting from overseas – can be very expensive. Online interviews also...

Nursing takes a great deal of commitment, not least because it’s a long and challenging process to gain your qualification. The reason for this is simple: hospitals want the very best people caring for their patients. It is partly for this reason that there are significantly more nursing school applicants than there are places available. Around 50,000 people apply to the UK’s 87 nursing schools every year and of those just 20,000 students graduate. So, to secure your place in your...

Mental illnesses are more common, long-lasting and impactful than other health conditions. Just like treatment for our physical health, people can require support to cope and live with mental illness. And the nurses who specialise in this area of support are Registered Mental Health Nurses (RMNs). All nurses have a responsibility to care for their patients, including safeguarding their mental wellbeing. However, Mental Health Nurses specifically work with individuals with mental health...

There can be many reasons for choosing to study a course in finance, accounting or bookkeeping. You could be moving towards a new career, upskilling for your role or handling the accounts of your own business. Whatever your reason, you’ve probably come across AAT courses and perhaps now have the predicament of choosing which one to study. The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) is a professional body for accounting technicians. Its aim is to provide practical, real-world...

There has never been a more important time to start a career in animal conservation. With worldwide wildlife habitats destroyed by approximately 5,760 acres daily, around 30,000 species are being driven to extinction each year. That’s estimated to be about three per hour, but this number can be reduced with successful conservation efforts. Our rapidly growing population is seeing natural resources consumed quicker than ever before. Not only is this level of growth and consumption...

Qualified accounting and finance professionals are sought-after in many industries and demand shows little sign of slowing down. With ample opportunities on offer, desirable salaries and multiple ways to further your career, it clearly pays to get qualified. But, with many ways into the field, it can be hard to know how to start learning finance and accounting. Both disciplines involve mathematical thinking and an understanding of monetary matters in the context of business. Accounting...

Mental health workers are devoted to supporting individuals who are dealing with emotional and psychiatric issues and illnesses. Their roles vary depending on the needs of their patients and their duties are often close to those of nurses and medical assistants. But their primary focus is contributing to the mental health and wellbeing of their patients. They aren’t graduate or doctoral level workers. However, their role in supporting individuals cope with their mental health illness is...

If you’re considering a career in animal care, it’s important to know what your options are before you commit to a career path that may not be right for you. Animal care is a catch-all term that includes everything from preventing animal cruelty and conservation to kennelling and zookeeping. Each career is distinctly different, as is the learning journey you’ll take to get there. But all share a common desire to protect animals and their habitats from harm. You could work with...

The disparity between mental health service demand and professionals available to deliver them suggests a mental health crisis is looming. More money is being invested in preventative services, but one area providing ongoing support to those with identified mental health needs is social work. There is a well-defined link between poor mental health and social factors. Higher rates of mental health issues and illnesses are associated with poverty and socio-economic...

Since 2016 there has been a 21% increase in the number of people in contact with mental health services. However, the increasing demand for these services outways the number of mental health professionals available to deliver them. As a result, waiting lists have seen some individuals waiting over six months for appointments. And others resorting to emergency or crisis services. As it stands, around 12% of all medical vacancies are in mental health services. So, there are certainly ample...

English schools now have over 265,000 teaching assistants, which is approximately one TA for every two teachers. It’s become a very popular career, particularly for parents of young children due to the compatible working hours and holidays. If you are thinking of starting a career as a TA, then your job will mainly include: Giving extra help to children with special educational needs (SEN) Supporting children across the curriculum (often with maths, reading and...

Bookkeepers play an integral role within small businesses. Organising their finances, making sure they’re following legislation properly and keeping an eye out for any financial issues. You’ll make sure everything is in order so you can see exactly how the business is doing. Allowing clients to make amendments if necessary and strategise moving forward.   It’s a career that is always in demand across various types of industries. Giving you the freedom to choose how and who...

Whether it’s a result of injury, weight gain or ageing, animals can find themselves in need of human assisted therapy. And with the significant benefits that come with hydrotherapy, it’s steadily becoming a popular treatment for small animals. As demand increases for this service, it’s certainly a good time to become an animal hydrotherapist. Animals referred for hydrotherapy can be brought in for a range of reasons. Some may be born with neurological or orthopaedic issues. Others...

learndirect the UK’s leading online education group are delighted to announce completion of the acquisitions of Animal Courses Direct and i-to-i (Teach and Travel Group Ltd), two specialist training providers operating in the Animal Welfare and Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) sectors respectively. The acquisitions extend learndirect’s existing portfolio in these sectors and provides a strong base for the group to continue to grow online education in these...

Accounting is a profession that provides exceptional room for progression, specialisation and high earning potential. And if you choose to be self-employed, a flexible career that fits around family life. Professional exams are the gateway to becoming a qualified accountant. But whether it’s worth it to study accounting depends on how far you want your career to progress. You could work in the field of accountancy quite comfortably without studying to become a qualified accountant....