Changing careers? What’s it really like to be a driving instructor?
- Author Laura Harris
- Published November 10, 2010
- Word count 711
During the recession era the media has been full of doom and gloom concerning the UK jobs market. A recent survey showed that for every graduate position advertised there are usually around seventy applicants. The public sector cuts have meant that many individuals with transferable skills are now looking for new careers. Of course people choose to change career all the time but at the moment there is a huge increase in individuals changing careers with management, training or people based skills behind them. Training to be a driving instructor is now a popular option for many of these professionals as the ability to teach people a new skill as well as good interpersonal skills are essential to the role.
Flexible working hours, good earning potential and daily job satisfaction are all key benefits of the job. But what’s it really like? We spoke to Leigh Honeyman of RED Driving School based in Wallington near Croydon, about what’s involved in switching careers and becoming a driving instructor.
So Leigh, what did you do before you became a driving instructor?
"Before joining RED I was in the Army for 13 years. I joined an Army Cadets Unit when I was in school and then when I was 17 I joined the British Army where I worked as a Heavy Weapons Instructor."
Becoming a driving instructor after being a Heavy Weapons Instructor must have been quite a change! What did you find were the main differences in teaching people to drive compared to teaching people to use anti-tank missiles?
"The difference in attitude; soldiers in the army learn because they have to learn, in some cases their lives depend on it. When you teach people to drive they want to learn but sometimes they aren’t as focused as soldiers so you have to be a bit more patient."
As your career change was a bit unusual, do you believe that people with backgrounds that are even more diverse than yours could become driving instructors?
"Certainly, anyone with a background in any sort of teaching would be well prepared for it. To a certain extent anyone with kids should be able to do it as they spend a lot of time teaching their children!"
Would you recommend that soldiers, who are thinking of leaving the army, should become driving instructors?
"I would, particularly if they have an instructor background like me. The results
in this job are sometimes a lot more rewarding than meeting your goals in the army. I know it’s a cliché, but when you teach someone to drive you really are passing on a life skill. In the Army things are changing all the time so something you teach someone today might not be any use in a few years time."
What was your training like when you were leaning to be an instructor?
"Training with RED was great; they provide a lot of support if you struggle with anything. I found certain aspects of the course difficult but they provided extra sessions and teaching, which obviously paid off as I made it! I think its one of those things where you get out what you put in. If you work hard and put in a lot of effort you will be successful. If you don’t work hard you’re probably going to struggle."
A lot of people think they will struggle with the training as they find it hard to learn new skills, particularly learning to teach, do you think the training you received would prepare most people?
"To a certain extent, you can’t just turn up and expect to be a driving instructor by the end of it. The more you put into it the more you will get out of it; you’ve got to work hard to do well. I grabbed the bull by the horns and gave it my all, it certainly paid off. Essentially if you want it then the support you need is there as long as you apply yourself."
As Leigh’s story shows, becoming a driving instructor can be incredibly rewarding. Leigh’s example illustrates that with enough determination and hard work you can achieve great results as a driving instructor, regardless of your background or previous careers.
RED Driving School and RED Instructor Training are both adding loads of interesting content about what it’s like to be a driving instructor to their respective Facebook pages. We will also be adding tips and advice for young drivers and taking a light hearted look at our industry.
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- Save Your Investment from Scammers with a Good Realtor: A Complete Guide
- Remote Work: How South African Contractors can excel with International Clients
- 5 Reasons You Want to Join an MRBC
- Future-Proof Your Career: Upskilling and Reskilling in Australia
- Work-Life Balance & Cultivating Gratitude
- Essential Tips for a Completing a Successful Interview
- Finding Cacciato: Reflection of a Life of Military Service
- Trade show booth builder in Anaheim
- You Left a Six Figure Job to Do What? Are You Nuts?
- Heigh Ho Heigh Ho .. It Is Off To Find a Job
- The Rise of Remote Work: Challenges and Opportunities for Companies and Employees
- Care Jobs in Stafford
- How To Become Successful Without a College Degree
- Top 5 Ways to Make Money Online
- Get Paid to Test Apps in your free time
- Online Certifications that Pay Well
- The Art of Crime Scene Investigations
- How To Switch Careers In 7 Steps
- Accounting for Price Changes and Measures of Economic Activities
- Keeping Your Mind And Body Healthy While Stuck At Home
- Why to Look for Remote IT Support Jobs?
- Things to consider when looking for/applying for a commercial construction job
- Picking Career with Career Counseling
- Entry Level Online Jobs: Work for Lionbridge & Gengo
- Do I need to list job references on my CV?
- CNA Training Hempstead - Find CNA Training Cources in Hempstead
- Gagging Orders
- What Kind Of Job Can Your Stay-At-Home Wife Do?
- Technical Staffing Solutions for Orgonians
- Finding Your Next Job with a Temp Agency