Have you ever had an incredible idea for a social media app but don’t know the first thing about coding? Or wanted to pop the hood of your car to change the spark plug without having to call AA in a panic? Well, what’s stopping you?

Here, Stylist reveals the top five courses you need to retrain for a STEM career. 

Learn to code

Co-founded by former Jimmy Choo marketing intern, Amelia Humfress, Steer offers four short courses on coding and data visualisation ranging from one day to five weeks. Learn how to programme with HTML, CSS and JavaScript to make your own website or create an iOS 9 app using Apple’s new programming language, Swift.

Prices start at £400; London; steer.me

Print in 3D

Fab Lab Manchester offers an open space for budding product designers to create and engineer their ideas. With open days every Friday and Saturday, as well as highly trained staff available on site, registered users gain access to 3D printers, laser cutters and heat presses to build, code, solder and design bespoke products.

Free; Manchester; manufacturinginstitute.co.uk 

Explore modern physics

For those interested in the universe, atoms and mathematics, this 10 week short course offers a beginner’s guide to physics. From learning about particles, relativity, cosmology and quantum mechanics, budding physicists will be able to critically assess modern physics and follow new scientific discoveries in the media.

£105; Edinburgh; course-bookings.lifelong.ed.ac.uk

Become a programming pro

If the word ‘apple’ has you reaching for your phone rather than the fruit bowl, then this is the course for budding tech pros like yourself. Amsys’ two-day beginner development course teaches you the basics of the iOS programming language, Swift. From learning about variable usage, coding, structures and basic syntax of the Swift language, you’ll be ready to gain your Amsys Certification in Swift.

£597 + VAT; Manchester and London; amsys.co.uk

Make like a mechanic

Hands up if you know what an inlet valve is? A piston? The crankshaft? Nope, us neither. However, this 10-week course provides students with a general understanding of the motor trade and vehicle components as well as an approach to basic car maintenance. Learn about braking and transmission systems, wheels, tyres and cooling systems to become a bonafide Top Gear professional.

£325; London; cwc.ac.uk