NVQ's do they still get valued?

[babybop6379]

i have been out of work for 7 yrs as i became a mum before then i worked in a personnel job and helped set up a computer system for the local hospital in that time i gained my NVQ business and admin certificate. would this still be valued by any future employers as it is hard enough for me to get confidence back to go back to work or would i have to do a course to boost this up?

[nfn]

personally I think any qualification, if relevant to the job you're applying for, is good. If you feel you might want to top up or refresh your memory then mentioning this on your CV or at an interview is a good idea. Maybe in the interview when they ask if you have anything you want to say/ask.

Anyway, apart from all that, if you've spent the last 7 years raising kids then any employer is going to be a mug not to employ you, multi-tasking is what most companys dream of! Very good luck - let us know how you go on.

[Octavius]

Supplementing work experience with a course/qualification in my mind is always of value.  It shows determination and ambition.

In the meantime (and as courses start in Sept) you could look into courses that you would like to do at a local college and mention these during interviews.  Perhaps a computer refresher course to start with??  That would show some commitment from your side.  If you show willingness to expand with course learning (maybe evening classes etc) then a future employer may suggest other courses that the may offer to pay for.  Good luck, and stop worrying, your qualifications are not out of date. 

[shaz-rla]

I've just got myself a part time office job (start when the children go back to school)  and I have been at home for 8 years!  I didn't even go and brush up my skills, when I wrote the application form I explained that I had been at home and listed the things I had done, I started my own childminding business, kept up to date with using the internet and e-mail etc...joined various committees - if you tell them what you have done the life experience often outweighs what you have done qualification wise.  As nfn says multi-tasking, organisational skills - if you have had a family you have so much experience!  35 people went for the job and I got it!  Go for it girl - you really can do it!  Have a little faith in yourself.