Time for a change of scene

Dan, Architectural technologist, 32

1. Become an architect

If Dan retrained as an architect, he could continue to use his technical skills, but in a more creative role. As an architectural technician he’s likely to get an element of dispensation on a university architectural course, so he would not need to complete the full seven years of architectural training. The exact level of credit he would have would depend on the amount of time spent as an architectural technician, scope of work undertaken and previous level of education.

What it means for his wallet: The typical salary for an architectural technician is £25,000-£35,000. On becoming a RIBA-accredited architect, this would rise by between £5,000 and £8,000. His wages would also go up faster than they would as an architectural technician.

2. switch to engineering

Dan's technical skills and understanding of design could be put to use as the foundation for a career in many different branches of engineering, from structural to aeronautical to electronic. He would need to study for an engineering degree – typically a three year course to become an engineering technician or a four-year course to attain an MSc and become a fully qualified engineer. A place on an engineering course would be subject to minimum academic qualifications, and unfortunately Dan would not receive any dispensation for his previous experience.

What it means for his wallet: Like becoming an architect, switching to a career in engineering would lead to a considerable pay rise for Dan. The industry is currently experiencing a shortage of engineers, which would push his earning prospects even higher. On qualification, he could expect his salary to rise by between £7,000 and £10,000, and to keep going up much faster than as an architectural technician.

3. go into industrial design

If he wants to design the next iPod, Beetle or Coke bottle, Dan would need to complete an industrial design course. Places on industrial design courses are subject to minimum qualifications, usually A-levels and HND courses. It is unlikely that experience as an architectural technician would count as credit towards the course, unless he was judged to be exceptionally talented. However, many employers will sponsor candidates to achieve industrial design qualifications.

What it means for his wallet: Salary levels are similar to those of architectural technologists, and tend to be capped at about £35,000, so he’d have to make the change for love not money.

Graeme, roads engineer, 43

1. Move into another field of engineering

The most straightforward way for Graeme to inject a new lease of life into his career, while still benefiting from his engineering training, would be to switch to a different branch of the discipline. As a roads engineer, he could switch to specialise in a different element of infrastructure – airports, bridges, ports or harbours – or could go in a completely different direction and train as a specialist in buildings. Many large employers will offer in-house training opportunities or sponsorship for qualified engineers wanting to retrain.

What it means for his wallet: Once Graeme is up to speed in his new discipline, his salary would be roughly commensurate with his pay as a roads engineer, with the same opportunities for progression.

2. step up into management

Not everyone is a technocrat, and Graeme might feel that he has reached the pinnacle of his capability as an engineer. A move into management within the industry would mean that he could use his understanding of the sector while developing business skills - which would also be transferable to another sector at a later date. Again, many companies offer internal courses for employees wishing to move into management, such as people skills courses. External MBA courses are also increasingly popular.

What it means for his wallet: As engineering is a career which offers high salaries, Graham is unlikely to earn more money by going into management.

3. Experiment with business development

If he wants to move away from the technical aspects of engineering without the pressures associated with management, Graham could consider taking a role in business development. His knowledge of the sector would prove invaluable to his employer in this role, so they are likely to sponsor him through external business development courses. Many large employers also provide internal training, in skills such as sales.

What it means for his wallet: Again, Graham is not likely to improve his salary by a move into business development; however, he would learn skills which could be transferable to another, potentially more highly paid, sector at a later date.

Jackie, Full-time Mother, trained as a quantity surveyor, 31

1. Flexible QSing

If Jackie is keen to return to her career as a QS but doesn’t want to spend as much time out on site because of her children, she could try flexible working. Many companies have begun to offer flexible working patterns for mothers: Jackie could work part-time, but if she wants to keep her full-time position some employers will offer the opportunity to work from home one day a week on costings and pre-tender work. For example, QS Davis Langdon has just launched a revamped maternity policy to persuade more women to return to work on front line QS services, offering a return-to-work bonus and flexible hours.

What it means for her wallet: If Jackie works less hours, this will naturally entail a drop in salary. But if she can keep her full-time position with the support of her employer, her earnings would not suffer.

2. Become a professional support worker

Office-based positions offer more flexible hours than roles involving site visits, and would give Jackie the opportunity to use her experience as a QS in a different way. Many large QS firms have a professional development department and research library, used by younger QSs for advice and experienced workers to ensure they are up-to-date with the latest methods and research. Jackie's experience as a QS would enable her to work in the department, using her technical knowledge to advise others and contribute to research. She would not need additional training immediately, but would have regular training updates to ensure she was at the forefront of knowledge in the sector.

What it means for her wallet: Her salary as a support worker would depend on Jackie's experience as a QS, but switching roles would not necessarily entail a drop in income – her salary may even rise beyond her QS level with experience.

3. Work as a QS on a freelance basis

Jackie could work on a freelance basis on particular projects, which would enable her to choose schemes which are on site during term time only. Her employer could agree to keep her on as a freelancer, or alternatively she could set herself up as a limited company and work for her former employer and others, invoicing them for the work.

What it means for her wallet: Jackie's salary would rise as a freelancer to compensate for the lack of benefits such as sick pay and job security.