Can anyone advise? I am interested in retraining and happy to take a college course if someone can please give me some direction.Took Science A levels (many moons ago!) and have pursued many work directions but now find myself working as a cook on board private or charter yachts in South of France.Never done any formal training but have a huge interest in food/nutruition/health and would like to know if anyone can point me towards a possible career.I am in my 40's but very active and keen to have a satisfying and challenging life ahead when my daughter flies the nest in 3 years.

Hi Ruth
How about product development? I am a New product development technologist and currently studying for my degree as a mature student. I did a foundation degree and now doing a top up year to take it to a honours degree. I started as a kitchen assistant and worked my way up to technologist through experience and my foundation degree. Look at local colleges and university websites as they will tell you what courses they do. A foundation degree is basically like the first 2 years of a honours degree but is a degree in its own right. (hope this makes sense!)
My job is great, I get to play around with recipes and get them to work in scale up production in the factory for a major retailer in uk. If not maybe look at what qualifications you would need to be a dietician/nutritionlist.
Hope this helps, sorry I have run on a bit!!

Thanks,I will definitely pursue that. What foundation course did you take?I have been on both the British Dietetics and Nutritionist sites but it all seems very intense from the word go! Maybe have to start off with a 1 year course or something part time....Have been on line most of the day looking for help and direction.Does anyone have any ideas regarding getting into the health and fitness sector with a' foodie' slant?

Hi
I did food production management foundation degree and am now doing a individual studies honours degree as there isnt really a foodie degree that I could do!! Indivdual studies is for students that want to do a degree in a subject that is not usually avaliable in colleges/uni.
I looked into courses in nutrition etc but all looked a bit too much for me!

Still hoping that someone will come up with some other suggestions for re-training.........for example how does one become a recipe tester?or home economist?Surely someone there on the Good Food Live team could advise?

Isn't that how Delia got started? You could always contact the Good Housekeeping Institute. They would no doubt be able to help.

I've just started a job as a day nursery cook, only experience is cooking for my children and family and friends. I LOVE cooking, and reckon I'll be in the the same "boat" (pardon the pun) as you in a few years time ... will track this discussion with avid interest.

Why don't you set up your own Business?

I would be very keen on setting up somethng for myself but at the moment the thought of returning to UK after a 20 year absence seems daunting enough.It is EXTREMELY difficult for small businesses here in France and I would not contemplate it.I would like to think that I would find it easier re-entering the workplace in UK and doing a college course part time or training on the job but just not finding out enough through the internet.I need something definite in order to up sticks and sell up here!!
Thanks for your ideas and keep them coming!