Two-thirds of Welsh mums want new careers but face money and time barriers

Almost two-thirds (61%) of mums in Wales would consider retraining for a new career but are held back by multiple barriers according to new data.

The findings, released by The Open University (OU), show that half (50%) of Welsh mothers surveyed with children aged 0-5, are primarily concerned about the cost of childcare when thinking about their career or returning to work. Forty two percent worry about managing the ‘juggle’ of work, childcare and personal relationships.

This highlights the daily pressures mothers in Wales face in caring for others, often leaving them unable to prioritise their own needs and career ambitions. This is despite the skills they may have developed through education and employment before becoming a parent.

Flexible, affordable study options may be the key to overcoming these barriers for those wanting to return to study. The OU’s research shows that in Wales nearly two in five (38%) mums are concerned about the fees when considering their careers, with over a quarter (27%) worried about fitting study around their parenting schedule. Yet just over half (51%) of mums in Wales said that flexible learning options- such as part-time or remote study would be a great motivation for them to retrain.

Other incentives which would encourage Welsh mums to retrain include financial support (47%), the ability to study remotely (37%) and affordable tuition fees (28%).

The OU is addressing these concerns head-on as part of their new initiative, Mumentum, a scheme designed to empower mums who are ready to progress in their careers now that their children are in school or nursery.

The initiative includes the launch of a social media guide designed for new mums that offers practical tips on balancing study with parenting, and an impactful social media stunt that challenges the perception of motherhood.

Since 2018, the Welsh Government has made maintenance grants of up to £4,500 available to part-time undergraduate students to help with living costs, alongside a top-up loan of £5,974. Additional support for students with dependants is also available. 

Stephanie Manning, 40, from Caerphilly, is an Open University graduate who studied psychology part-time and is now a qualified health and wellbeing practitioner. Stephanie said: “When I was 34 I was a single parent with a six-year-old daughter, I was working hard just to cover the basics in an administration role, earning  the minimum wage. This made me extremely anxious about my future and ability to provide for my child as she gets older. I decided to enrol with The Open University as its online courses allowed me to pursue my interest in psychology in a way that worked for me — studying after my daughter went to bed and at the weekends.

“With the OU’s continuous support and flexible learning options, I was able to earn my degree and get promoted  from my entry level admin job at a local employment charity to a health and wellbeing practitioner within the organisation. This has doubled my monthly income and allowed me to give my daughter the life I always dreamed for her. Since I left school at 16 I never thought I could do all of this and I am so grateful to the Open University for helping me reach my full potential while also balancing my family and caring responsibilities.”

The OU offers pathways into the most desirable sectors for mothers of children aged 0-5 years looking to upskill. According to those surveyed, these pathways include healthcare (22%), education, (10%) and IT (8%)

Michelle Matheron, Assistant Director  at The Open University in Wales, commented:

“The results of the survey show that we have parents in Wales who are ready to take a step into higher education, but need flexible options and the right support. The OU’s model of teaching gives parents like Stephanie the chance to study something that interests them, at a pace that suits their own circumstances, and in an area that can advance their career. Thanks to the financial support currently available to part-time students in Wales, there’s never been a better time for people to start learning and discover their potential.”

The Open University in Wales also runs the GO Wales programme which helps students reach their career goals. This includes mentoring from an employability advisor, workshops to build confidence and skills, and work placements with employers across Wales.