Ask the expert: No formal qualifications

Q: I have been in a relationship where my spouse supports me. He owns his own business and I help out a lot. We have separated and I am uneducated. I am presentable with a lot of skills - but no high school certificate or degree to prove I am worthy of the positions I apply for. Is there advice or wisdom that you could give me?

A: You haven't specified what type of work you'll be seeking, but I'll assume that it builds on the work you've been doing in your spouse's business. A CV or job application can start with this, particularly if your ex-partner is willing to be a reference for you during this transition.

If the work that you have been doing is office/administrative, you may find that there are temporary agencies that will be able to provide both access to employment where you can build up greater confidence, and some offer skills development to support your ability to work effectively, as well.

You may also need additional support services, particularly for longer term work. I consulted two colleagues for additional pointers for you.

Dr Felicity Lamm, an employment relations expert at the University of Auckland, suggests that you may also need to obtain qualifications at the same time that you return to employment (if possible).

In terms of jobs, Work and Income NZ has advisers who assist mature people to get a job. There are also organisations attached to local councils that either assist with seeking a job (not all councils offer this service) or in starting a business (Bizgrow etc).

There are a number of initiatives aimed at certain groups that offer assistance for people to obtain long-term employment by providing training, writing CVs, etc. These are often run through local councils, or the information can be obtained from the local Citizens' Advice Bureau.

Dr Lamm suggests that if you are interested in obtaining qualifications while working, you might consider extra-mural courses, such as Correspondence School and Open Polytechnic. There are also evening classes at local high schools that offer certificated courses, such as the courses in Microsoft software programmes.

Advice on literacy courses (if needed) can be sought from NZ Literacy at info@nzliteracyportal.org.nz. You may wish to become a full-time student, in which case you should contact Work and Income NZ about programmes to support this.

Mattie Wall, a member of Dress-for-Success, a not-for-profit organisation that assists women referred by other agencies with a start-up wardrobe for returning to work, also suggests that you contact the Citizens' Advice Bureau, as there are many community-based programmes (over 80 in the Auckland area) that may be able to help you with skills development, CV and interviewing skills, and making the transition to work.

The holidays can be a slow time of year to be seeking work, so persevere.

* If your New Year's resolutions include volunteering, consider all the local voluntary organisations that may be able to use your skills in helping people with their career and business problems. And - if cleaning out your closet is part of your holiday ritual - make sure that usable items go to voluntary organisations that will find them a new home where they may make a difference.