It’s not surprising that the thought of returning to the workforce after many years of child-rearing can be extremely anxiety-provoking for some women. After an extended break from their career, many women question their value, often overlooking the skills they’ve gained in the meantime. 

With rapid changes in technology, particularly in the tech and digital fields, it can feel as though their skills are outdated and there are insurmountable gaps in their knowledge. Add in the complexity of juggling work and family life, and the perception that mothers are somehow less committed to their job, and it’s the perfect recipe for a raging case of imposter syndrome.

As overwhelming as returning to the workforce can be, particularly when there is a gaping hole in their resume, there is a way women can reframe their career break as a time of growth and professional development — yes, even if they were a stay-at-home mum.

How RPL Can Help You Return Where You Left Off

Nobody should have to start all over again on the bottom rung of the career ladder because they chose to take a break to raise a family. The good news is that with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), women don’t need to start from scratch. They just need to repackage what they already know. 

An RPL assessment is the first step toward gaining formal recognition for the skills and knowledge already acquired. In addition to skills gained via paid work, the assessment may consider things like community involvement, volunteer work, etc., which can all contribute to an officially recognised qualification or RPL certificate. 

Why RPL is a Game-Changer for Women Returning to the Workforce

RPL provides women who want to return to the workforce after raising children with the means to turn their past experience into formal credentials that are valued by employers. This can help bridge gaps in the resume, demonstrate the retention of relevant skills, rebuild self-esteem, and make it easier to apply for roles or further study. 

The truth is, women are highly capable in the workplace, even after many years out of the workforce. In fact, their parenting role can develop highly regarded skills such as time management, problem-solving, communication, conflict resolution, leadership, and decision-making, etc. RPL helps women to articulate their skills and strengths in a way that makes sense to employers and gives them the confidence to apply for roles that reflect their true abilities.