Courses can help individuals "take control" in uncertain times.
Taking on new skills can help people tackle financial and job market gloom by boosting their income and generating a positive sense of empowerment, an expert has said.
Psychologist and life coach Anjula Mutanda said people should be "pragmatic about what's going on" with the economy - and developing their skills is a good way of putting themselves in a stronger position.
She said taking a course means individuals "don't feel helpless" and unable to change their circumstances.
By "taking control" and learning a new ability, workers can also increase their income by between £2,000 and £3,000 a year, she added.
"Learning a new skill is always important and always invigorating - it might be something you thought you'd never enjoy but actually do. You don't know till you start learning - it's a psychological and a practical benefit," Ms Mutanda commented.
According to forecasts from the Learning and Skills Council, two-thirds of jobs generated over the next ten years will require skilled workers.
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