A former textile manager is in a spin after stitching together a brand new career for himself in computing.

John Haigh, from Ilkley, decided it was time to retrain when the industry he had been working in began to fall apart at the seams.

"The UK textile industry has been declining for many years, but the last two years have been very bad and there is no prospect of recovery," said John.

The deterioration in the manufacturing industry meant that John was made redundant.

Determined to pick up the threads of his career, the 47-year-old took a close look at his interests in the hope that he could weave them into a new occupation.

With a working knowledge of computers the former manager felt that this was an avenue he could explore.

"I wanted to work in an expanding rather than contracting industry," he said. A newspaper advertisement led John to distance-learning pioneers Computeach International.

"For me distance-learning was ideal," said John. "I have the discipline to work on my own and it is very flexible."

West Midlands-based Computeach combined distance learning with hands-on in-centre sessions, allowing students to study around existing commitments.

With training tailored to suit individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds, Computeach's focus is very much on career development.

Programmes are assisted by the services of an in-house recruitment agency, Software Professionals, which provides help with compiling a professional CV and teaches job-seeking skills such as interview techniques and aptitude tests.

Determined not to remain unemployed for long, John fast-tracked through the course and even before completing it he managed to secure his first IT job as a trainee programmer, proving it's never too late to change career.

John believes that the Computeach course pulled the right strings when it came to applying for jobs.

"It gave me a good grounding in IT and I think my commitment in enrolling helped to convince my employer to take me on," he added.

For more information contact Computeach's Information Helpline on 0800 657657.

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