See how other people did it

Sunanta Phattanavibul, 32, London

Before: “Being out of work meant I really struggled with money. I had loans that I couldn’t pay off and had to borrow money from my family. I was desperate to get back to work so I could support myself and my children.”

After: “Thanks to my new skills I was successful in getting a job. Now I have a job things are so much better. I can pay my bills without worrying and I’ve managed to pay off my loans and credit cards. I have extra money left over to buy things for my children and I’m able to save money.

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Philippe Caillot, 49, Loughborough

Before: “Before I started my courses, I couldn’t really use a computer because most of my previous education was before technology played such an important part in everyday life. My disability means I’ll never be able to do a physical job again, so it was essential for me to improve my IT skills so I could work and earn money again in the future.”

After: “Now I’ve gained these qualifications, I’m confident using all kinds of computer software. It’s had great benefits for me personally. Being out of work means I have to be more careful with my money and now I wouldn’t dream of buying anything without checking if I can find it cheaper online. I saved £70 on my car insurance by going online!”.

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Lloyd Briggs, 25, Newcastle

Before: “I had always been interested in computers but didn’t have any qualification to prove what I knew. I was initially quite scared about going back to learning because I didn’t do very well at school. I hadn’t been earning any money for the past three years and really needed things to change.”

After: “Although I found some parts of my learning hard, particularly maths Level 2, I actually found the subjects that challenged me the most enjoyable and rewarding. The outcome has really been worth it because I can now manage my money and I’m better off as a result. I can calculate the cost of finance on things in my head and work VAT out as well.”.

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Ernest Hill, 48, Hull

Before: “It was quite daunting being out of work and I knew I needed to get some qualifications under my belt in order to get a job and earn a regular income again. I had to make plenty of cut backs, especially on non-essentials like going to the gym as my main priority was paying for things like food and rent.”

After: “I can now look after my money better in all aspects of my life on a day-to-day basis. From when I’m out shopping to managing my household budget, it helps in so many ways and I’m better off as a result. My maths skills have even helped me understand football scores and league tables”.

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Bernadette Whiten, 41, Guildford

Before: “Being out of work made me feel really worthless and my life revolved around the four walls of my house. I was really struggling for money and my sons were suffering because I had to make sure what little money I had went towards paying the bills. There were lots of times they had to walk round in shoes that didn’t fit them properly.”

After: “Thanks to my new skills I was offered a part-time admin role. I’ve now got a bit more money coming in and have learnt how to manage my spending. I always try to put a bit of money aside to spend on my sons and I break down my bills so I don’t have to pay them all in one go. I use a spreadsheet to calculate how much money I’ll have at the end of each month after my direct debits have gone out”.

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Nicola Lewis, 39, Wirral

Before: “I decided to find a part-time job so I could spend more time at home with my family. I had no working knowledge of Microsoft packages and this was what employers were looking for. This made me feel quite anxious because I had no money coming in and had a family to support.”

After: “I gained the knowledge I needed. Two months later I was offered a part-time job as an administrator. The job paid more than similar positions I’d looked at and I strongly believe my up-to-date knowledge and determination to improve my skills stood me in good stead with my employer and attracted a better salary.”.