GETTING back into the world of work after some time off doesn’t mean having to take a low-paid job.
Whether you’re coming back from looking after kids or simply looking for a change in later life, there are careers that will pay you up to £42k a year and give you great perks like free on-site gyms, annual cash bonuses and a yearly health MOT – without needing a degree.

You could have a ‘comeback career’ without having to get a degree – here’s the top-paying roles Credit: Getty

Lifelong careers are now becoming a thing of the past, with more people than ever switching jobs.
The majority of Brits have tried multiple jobs, while just under a third (32%) of the working age population have taken some type of break during their career, CV-Library says.
If you’re coming back into the workforce after having kids, you’ll often need something with more flexibility, while also making sure you can pay the bills.
Analysis by CV-Library has revealed the eight top-paid careers YOU can try as a “comeback job” – and you won’t need a university degree for any of them…

Scaffolder

The job involves setting up and dismantling temporary scaffolding on structures Credit: Getty
Scaffolding is one of the most in-demand and best-paid sectors in UK construction, and it’s also the top-paid “comeback career” job.
As a scaffolder, you erect and dismantle temporary metal scaffolding on structures and building sites.
To get into the job you need to have good physical fitness and be comfortable with heights.

It’s a great move for a career change as it has one of the fastest entry routes of any construction trade.

You will just need to take the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) training course, which can take you from complete novice to qualified scaffolder in under a year.
You start off with a two-day CISRS Scaffolding Labourer course, which costs between £300 to £500, but an employer may be able to cover your training expenses.
At the end of your training, you will need to apply for a CSCS card which you’ll need for all construction site work.
The average qualified scaffolder earns £41,991 a year, but you can earn as much as £48,000.
If you become a supervisor, your pay could go up to £55,000.
One of the major perks of becoming a scaffolder is there is good job security, as there is plenty of demand for workers right now.
And if you have an entrepreneurial side, there’s good opportunity to set up your own business once you have some experience.
Currently, there are 3,707 job listings for scaffolders on CV-Library.
For example, VGC is looking for a scaffolder in Coventry who would earn £25 an hour.

And Mears in Milton Keynes wants a lead scaffolder for £48,321 a year.
Teaching Assistant

You’ll need to be confident working with children in this role and you’ll get school holidays off Credit: Getty
A teaching assistant role is ideal for someone who wants flexibility and who has transferable skills.
The role supports classroom teachers, helping students with their learning, and assisting with children with special educational needs.
You don’t need a degree for most roles, although each school will set its own requirements.
Most will usually expect you to have GCSE grades A* to C in English and Maths, and you’ll need to show you can work well with children, teachers and parents.
You’ll have an advantage if you’ve worked in childcare or nurseries before, but other skills like organisation, communication and management are all easily transferable.
Perks include flexible hours and time off during the summer holidays, Easter and Christmas break – which makes it especially ideal for parents.
The average salary is £37,322 per year.
You can apply directly for jobs through schools, local authorities and academy trusts.

A huge number of jobs are open right now, with more than 370,000 postings.
They include a specialist college in Birmingham looking for a SEND teaching assistant for £100 to £120 per hour.
If you already have an English degree, you can earn a massive £1,000 per day at this school in Islington.
Groundworker

As a groundworker, you’ll be working on construction sites and preparing the ground Credit: Getty
A groundworker helps prepare the ground before, during and after building works.
They usually set out and prepare sub-surfaces, install drainage systems, concrete the ground and work to design specifications.
It’s an easy career to get into as there are no formal qualifications needed.
However, you may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.
You could study at college for a Level 1 Certificate in Groundworks or Construction Skills, or a Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Groundwork and General Construction.
Or you could simply apply directly to an employer to become a trainee groundworker.

It helps if you already have some onsite experience in a similar role, such as a labourer or plant operative.
In most cases, you can become qualified in three to four months.
Once you’re qualified, you can earn an average of £33,875 a year.
You’ll also get access to perks like a company car.
More than 15,523 job listings are live now, including this role with Synergize Ltd in London that pays between £35,000 to £38,000 per year.
CCR Property Services Ltd is also looking for a ground worker in London for £17 to £22.84 an hour.
Housing Officer

You’ll be dealing with vulnerable people as a housing officer so communication skills are key Credit: Getty
You could also try out a career as a housing officer, which would mean managing social housing properties.
The role acts as the main link between local councils or housing associations and their tenants, and involves handling tasks like letting empty properties, collecting rent and solving neighbour disputes.
If you’ve got previous experience in customer service, administration or care, you’ll have plenty of transferable skills to bring to the role.

It also helps if you have experience in dealing with vulnerable people.
If you’re interested, you could speak to a recruiter who can assess your skillset, or you could start as a housing or admin assistant and work your way up.
Some employers will give you on-the-job training so you can qualify with a Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Housing Practice.
Alternatively, you can earn this qualification through a college course.
As a housing officer, you can earn an average of £31,303 a year.
The role often comes with a flexible hybrid working schedule, which means working from home, the office and visits in the field.
Another perk is being enrolled in the Local Government Pension Scheme, a defined benefit scheme that essentially means employees get a guaranteed income in retirement.
There are 8,703 housing officer job postings open right now.
Metropolitan Thames Valley is looking for a housing officer for £41-43.4k a year in Enfield.
Meanwhile, Amplius is looking for someone in North Northamptonshire for £38.7k a year.

Prison Officer

A prison officer role could be great for someone who enjoys a fast-paced and varied role Credit: Getty
You can earn decent pay with no formal qualifications as a prison officer.
The role involves supervising and managing prisoners, supporting their rehabilitation, and maintaining order within the prison.
It can be a challenging role but it’s great for someone who is a good communicator, enjoys a fast-paced workday and wants to provide a public service.
You don’t need any formal qualifications as your interpersonal and communication skills are the priority.
You could do a Custody and Detention Professional Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, which would require GCSE grades A* to C in English and Maths.
Still, the easiest route in is to apply directly.
Applicants have to take an online test to assess judgement and number skills, and take part in an assessment day to check fitness levels, hearing and eyesight, as well as basic maths and English levels.
You can earn an average of £30,794 as a prison officer, with some great perks like free on-site gyms and shopping discounts through the Blue Light Card.
Plus, as with the housing officer role, the job entitles employees to a strong public sector pension.

More than 5,200 job postings are live right now.
They include at HMP Addiewell in West Lothian, paying £32k a year, and HMP Altcourse in Liverpool, paying £31k a year.
Data Technician

You won’t need to be an advanced software engineer but you should know Microsoft Excel Credit: Getty
The role of data technician, involves collecting, analysing and presenting data so it’s easier for a business to understand.
Large accounting or consulting firms, retailers, marketing agencies, public sector organisations and many other businesses all make use of data to develop products, campaigns or services.
You won’t need to be an advanced software engineer to get into this type of role, but you will need a good understanding of Microsoft Excel and data visualisation tools.
For those who want a qualification first, it’s possible to do the Level 3 Data Technician Apprenticeship, which allows you to earn on the job.
If you don’t have past experience, you could provide a portfolio with around three to five sample projects to impress employers.
The average salary is £29,637, but many data technicians get annual bonuses worth between 5% to 15%.
The role also tens to allow for hybrid work, which gives you extra flexibility if you’re a parent.

Just over 500 job postings are live currently, including this role with South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue for £26-28k a year.
Or there is a Junior Data Technician role in Leighton Buzzard with Back TO Work, which pays £26k.
Water Network Operative

You can get great perks working for a water company, such as free fitness programmes Credit: Getty
Water network operatives lay and maintain the pipes that supply water to homes and businesses.
There are roles open across the country and some water companies offer brilliant perks, such as free fitness programmes and access to a nutritionist.
It is possible to take a college course to get into the job, such as in construction skills or construction operations.
Or you can earn while you learn with an apprenticeship, such as the Water Network Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship or Drainage Network Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.
These take between two to three years to complete.
It’s also possible to apply directly for a job, and applicants have an advantage if they have experience in construction groundworks, plumbing, building services engineering or roadworks.
Some companies might want you to have GCSEs in English and Maths, as well as a driving licence.

You also may need to be registered in one of the water industry safety passport schemes, which proves you’re able to carry out work on the water network.
In order to be registered you need to sign up online for a half-day course costing £70.
Water companies often offer great benefits with private healthcare and retail discounts.
For example, Thames Water gives employees an annual health MOT, access to physiotherapy treatment, and 24/7 access to a virtual GP.
The average salary in this role is £29,566 per year.
A total of 137 job postings are live currently, including at Water Intelligence International which has roles available nationwide as a Leak Detection Technician/Engineer. It’s paying between £29k-34k.
Compliance Assistant

You’ll need to help your company stick to industry rules and regulations as a compliance officer Credit: Getty
Compliance officer workers are in demand right now as they work across a variety of industries.
Compliance officers are responsible for helping companies adhere to industry rules and regulations.
The role is needed across a range of industries, such as banking and financial services, charity work, education, environment, as well as health and social care.

That means there are a huge range of salaries depending on what sector you work in.
The average salary is £28,133 but it can go much higher.
For example, if you work in banking and financial crime prevention then you could earn much more.
You can get into the profession if you have relevant experience in admin roles, customer services, financial analysis, or if you were a pre-employment screening co-ordinator.
The role largely relies on organisation, record-keeping, communication, and basic data tracking rather than hyper-specialised initial training.
That means you likely won’t need a formal qualification to get into it.
The benefits you could get include annual bonuses and private medical insurance, although it can vary widely depending on the sector you’re in.
A total of 1,191 job postings are live now, including this role posted by Vector Recruitment Solutions which pays £32.3k a year.
There’s also this role at Ashley Reed Associates in Cheshire which pays £30-35k a year.

My second-act career after losing my £63k job at 52

AFTER Lidia Peto was made redundant aged 52, she knew she had to take drastic action.

It had been nearly a year since the mum-of-one lost her £63,000-a-year job in logistics, and she was beginning to suspect it was her age that was stopping her from getting hired.
Lidia, who lives with her 22-year-old daughter near Woking, Surrey, had been helping to run a logistics department for a London firm for over a year. 
After the company made job cuts, Lidia had to leave the business.
With her glittering CV filled with years of experience, she assumed she’d easily find another role. 
But after months of applying for jobs, including roles advertising salaries £20,000 lower than what she earned in her previous job, she STILL hadn’t been hired.
Instead, she started to disguise her age when applying for jobs.
Lidia began to leave off her date of birth and only included details of the past four years’ worth of job experience to make her age less obvious.
She started to think about the skills she picked up when she was younger, and how they could help her get a job now.
Earlier in her career, she had taken a nine-year break to care for her daughter, during which she decided to train as a yoga teacher and personal trainer.
These skills were perfect in helping her launch into a new career in the fitness industry.
She decided to pick up small fitness teaching jobs to help her pay the bills, earning about £100 a month. 
Surprisingly, Lidia felt like the industry was less bothered about her age than other sectors.
Her hard work has paid off and she’s finally been offered a job as a personal trainer at her local gym.
“I’ve had a massive confidence boost,” she says.