Qualified, competent and ready to succeed!

Women returning to work after a career break are more prepared and self-assured than ever before. The results from Pitman Trainingís annual nationwide ëWomen Returnersí survey shows that when it comes to getting back behind a desk after a break of between one month to 11 years, women are as confident and competent as their more established colleagues.

Findings show that 90% of respondents, ranging in age from 20 to 50 year olds, claim they have absolutely no worries about getting to grips with computer software. This is a huge improvement on last yearís result where 63% of women admitted their fears of using software packages such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. This renewed confidence is helped by a positive portrayal in the media of celebrity working mums such as Kerry McFadden, Sarah Jessica Parker, Judy Finnigan, Yasmin LeBonn and Cherie Blair.

The results also revealed that just 30% of women were worried about their limited ability to use email, this compares to 90% in 2003. But itís not just how to use email that is causing concern. Big Brother syndrome is panicking some women with nearly a third worrying about using the Internet and email for personal use and concerned that bosses may check the content of private emails and the websites visited. A quarter were also wary about making personal phone-calls.

One recent returner, Vanessa Palmer said: Iíve been out of the office environment for decades as I have been busy raising my children. So as you can imagine, going back to work at the age of 51 years old was daunting. I also had to face the challenge of getting to grips with the latest technology and communications systems such as email. So I turned to Pitman Training to help boost my skills and confidence. Having completed the Legal Secretarial Diploma at the Pitman Training centre in Dover, rather than take on the regular office based jobs that I held as a teenager, I have returned to work as a certified legal secretary and am now working in a prestigious local law firm.

She added: Iíve only been in my new job for five weeks but I feel like part of the team already. At the moment I only work part time, but if a full time position comes up, Iíll jump at the chance! I have a job I love and a new circle of friends.

The survey also highlighted some worrying results surrounding issues of child-care. A third of women stated that they are worried that their new boss may not understand if they are having trouble organising childcare. Comments from the bandwagon of stay-at-home celebrity mums such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet and even 22 year old rising starlett Sienna Miller (who recently hit the headlines by ruling out the concept of being a working parent ñ even though sheís not even pregnant) donít help either. With the burden of guilt associated with going out to work, it certainly seems that women have much more on their plates than simply ensuring their standard of work is up to scratch.

And, while the survey revealed that non-work related issues pose concerns for some, the number of women worrying about indulging in a spot of gossip during working hours or fretting over the contents of their working wardrobe is down by more than half from this time last year (25% compared to 64% in 2003).

Thanks to courses such as those offered by Pitman Training, thousands of women of all ages are returning to work with confidence. With a training schedule that can fit comfortably into anyoneís lifestyle, Pitman Training allows people to learn in a way thatís most convenient to them. Busy mums can slot in a session as and when they find the time, while someone with lots of free time on their hands can work through the course intensively. One might complete it earlier than the other, but the certification at the end is still the same. Courses can be part time or full time and can be taken at evenings or weekends, either in a tutor led classroom or individually, with the opportunity to call on the support of a Pitman Training expert at any time. For more information on any Pitman Training courses call 0800 220454 or visit