Scottish mums considering retraining for new career

• Nearly half (46%) of mums in Scotland surveyed with young children are concerned about the cost of childcare when thinking about their careers.
• Almost half (44%) feel guilty about leaving their children and 45% worry about juggling work, childcare and personal relationships.
• As businesses struggle with skills gaps and the politicians look for growth, The Open University (OU) backs mothers to unlock that potential.

Almost two-thirds (62%) of mums 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, reveal that nearly half (46%) of mothers surveyed with children aged 0-5 are primarily concerned about the cost of childcare when thinking about their career or returning to work.

Over two in five (44%) also feel guilty about leaving their children and 45% worry about managing the ‘juggle’ of work, childcare and personal relationships. This highlights the daily pressures mums face in caring for others, often leaving them unable to prioritise their own needs and career ambitions.

Flexible, affordable study options may be the key to overcoming these barriers for those wanting to return to study.

Over half of mums said that flexible learning options - such as part-time or remote study - would most motivate them to retrain.”

The OU’s research - conducted by Censuswide - shows that over two fifths (41%) of mums are concerned about the lack of flexibility in working hours when considering their careers, with over a quarter (29%) worried about fitting study around their parenting schedule. Yet over half (52%) of mums said that flexible learning options - such as part-time or remote study - would most motivate them to retrain. 

Other incentives which would encourage Scottish mums to retrain include financial support (49%) and ability to study remotely (39%).

The OU is addressing these concerns head-on as part of their new initiative, Mumentum, 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 to offer practical tips on balancing study with parenting, and a powerful social media stunt that challenges the perception of motherhood.

As businesses face growing skills gaps and politicians push for growth, the OU is helping mothers unlock their potential and utilise the transferable skill set gained in motherhood. The top transferable skills mums of children aged 0-5 years say they gain from parenting include multi-tasking (53%), problem-solving (39%), and communication (35%).

Nicola Hehir from Carluke, pictured above, completed her Bachelor of Science (Honours) Nursing (Adult) degree with The Open University in Scotland last year. Reflecting on how this transformed her life, she said:

"Since earning my First-class Honours degree, I’ve embraced my new role as an A&E staff nurse at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and the incredible journey of becoming a mother. Balancing my nursing studies with my pregnancy brought unexpected challenges, but also a deeper sense of purpose.

"The flexibility of the OU programme was a lifeline, allowing me to study around my shifts - even at 2am - and adapt when life got overwhelming. The support from my NHS colleagues and OU tutors ensured I didn’t have to sacrifice any part of this dream, even when I was expecting. Now, as both a dedicated nurse and a proud new mum, I’m excited to continue building a future for my family, inspired by the many compassionate nurses who shaped my path."

The OU offers pathways into the most desirable sectors for mothers looking to upskill, including healthcare (17%), education, (11%) and IT (7%) - the top three sectors’ Scottish mothers of children aged 0-5 years surveyed find most appealing to retrain in.

The survey shows that 52% of women in Scotland see flexibility as essential to retraining, a higher figure than the UK average of 47%. For many, it’s not about lack of ambition but rather the juggle, with 45% of Scottish women saying balancing family and work is a key challenge, compared to 40% across the UK. 

Jane Grant, Depute Director of External Engagement and Partnerships at The Open University in Scotland, said:

"We know there’s a huge pool of talent among mums who just need the right support to advance in their careers. The OU’s open access policy with no entry requirements for most courses and our flexible approach is here to help them gain qualifications and move forward while still being there for their families. 

"Through this campaign, we aim to amplify the voices of those feeling stuck and to show them the possibilities for a brighter future. Motherhood brings unique, transferable skills, and we believe mums have what it takes to help close the skills gap. We’re here to help them find their ‘Mumentum’ and support them every step of the way."

Speaking on the campaign, Justine Roberts, Mumsnet founder and CEO, said:

"On Mumsnet mums frequently swap stories about the challenges that they face in the workplace, and we know that there's a Motherhood Penalty which results in women’s employment, pay, and promotion chances deteriorating when they become parents. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

"It’s great to see The Open University actively targeting mothers with their campaign to help them regain their career momentum.

"The affordability, flexibility, and support they offer make retraining more accessible than many might think, empowering mums to pursue the careers they want without having to sacrifice family life."

The OU offers a variety of courses that fit around family life, giving mums the opportunity to learn on their terms, whether it's during school drop-offs, nativity plays, or sports days.

With part-time study options, mums can also continue earning while gaining qualifications, allowing them to learn at their own pace, while ensuring they don’t miss out on key family moments.

13 November 2024

Photo of Nicola Hehir by Julie Howden.