Hi Derek, as you know I have a computer background and after leaving work I did an NVQ1 in computer applications and it took a whole afternoon! I went on through NVQ 2 and 3 with some teaching same on the way. I kept a couple of lessons ahead but it does concentrate the mind!
Afterwards I found that I had been learning Lotus and Database IV and Wordperfect which had been superceded by Microsoft s/w. When looking for work the agencies were unaware that the first 2 programmes were equally usable. So no job followed, then I did C+ programming, no opportunities there either.
I then applied to be a Network manager and passed the quite difficult IQ tests, they finally admitted that they would not take me on as I was too old! This was back in the days of the charming but inexperienced young things coming out of university in the mid 90s. Previously I had interviewed them and even offered them jobs. Very few impressed me!
I later did an NVQ 1 in Business German that took 3 months of work, but it was enjoyable once the idiots had left the class.
Coming out, purely in the travelling sense, next March to Oz.
Best regards
Roy