GET on the road to a new career as a driving instructor.
The demand for driving tests after lockdown means the UK is facing a shortage of qualified instructors.
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Fresh figures from headhunter’s organisation the Recruitment Employment Confederation show that there has been an 11 per cent jump in the number of job ads for driving instructors this month — the highest of any industry — as firms struggle to find new trainees.
Research from instructor firm RED Driver Training shows 40 per cent of driving instructors now earn over £1,000 a week, with the average weekly pay £935.
Unsurprisingly, 92 per cent say they are “satisfied” with their job.
If you are looking for more flexibility then an instructor role could be ideal, with many new starters choosing the career so that they can set their own hours.
Camilla Benitz, managing director at AA Driving School, said: “In the past year, we’ve seen a 20 per cent increase in the number of AA instructors, with a further 1,100 in training.
“Many say that flexibility and fitting in with family commitments are part of the appeal.”
There are currently 1,345 vacancies for qualified instructors and hundreds of open places on training courses.
Before you can begin training, you will need to register with Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
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To qualify, you must be over 21 and have held a driving licence for over three years, without holding any motoring convictions.
You’ll also need a new DBS check.
Find out more at gov.uk/become-a-driving- instructor.
Find a training course at:
- theaa.com/driving-school/driving-instructor-training
- reddrivingschool.com/driving-instructor- training/become-a-driving-instructor
- bsm.co.uk/how-to-become-a-driving-instructor
Changing industry
DRIVING instructor Emily Marriott swapped her old job selling make-up at Boots to work for AA.
The 33-year-old from Stoke-on-Trent qualified in August 2022.
She said: “Around 80 per cent of pupils that I teach are female and looking for female instructors, so the industry is changing.
“Training as a driving instructor has completely changed my life. I’m my own boss, I don’t have to explain myself to a manager and I’m earning more money than I ever have before.
“You need to have patience as it’s not easy to complete the course. However, it’s the most rewarding job of my entire life.”
Job tips to stay on top
IT’S that time of year when youngsters join the workforce, after finishing school or uni.
However, the “summer slump” in productivity sees 11 hours per worker wasted every week, according to software company, DocuSign.
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Ronan Copeland, VP at DocuSign, shares his productivity hacks to boss your first job.
- Learn the two-minute rule: Being productive isn’t all about working faster – it’s about working smarter. If it will take you less than two minutes to get something done, then make it a top priority task.
- Assign time goals to the work that will take longer: Multitasking isn’t always a good thing. Instead block uninterrupted time for your bigger tasks.
- Help your company to be more digital: Just 16 per cent of UK workers think their company has the right technology in place to help people do their best work. Reducing monotonous manual tasks could give you a 25 per cent productivity boost.
- Hack your team: If multiple members of your teams are doing the same work and you could save time by working together on it, suggest a change in that process.
- Experiment with AI: One in four workers are trying out things like ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing Chat and Google Bard. But be selective about what you use them for and always make your team aware when and how you’ve used them. They can be great for some tasks but are no substitute for critical thinking.
Jobspot
THE WORKS has more than 100 vacancies for retail assistants and managers at stores nationwide. Find out more at theworks.jobs/search.
Try network jaunt
DOES the thought of networking make your cringe? Then try Netwalking.
The new initiative from Small Business Britain and BT sees business owners meet, walk and talk to help boost their connections as well as providing economic opportunities.
Taking place at 15 locations across the UK, you can take part at your nearest event.
BT’s trained digital skills mentors join the walks to offer help on business strategy, cyber security, new revenue streams and collaboration.
For more details and to sign up, see smallbusinessbritain. uk/netwalks.
Jobspot
TONI & GUY wants apprentices, stylists and receptionists at salons across the country. See toniandguy.com/careers/apply.
Enjoy Domino effect
GRAB a slice of the action at Domino’s, with over 1,000 UK management roles available.
Joana Mendes, assistant store manager in Ipswich, oversees a team of 40 staff members and 25 drivers.
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She is also Domino’s first female Fastest Pizza Maker.
Joana, 27, said: “You’re an equal in Domino’s no matter what your education. The company gave me the chance to grow as a person.”
Nicola Frampton, operations director for Domino’s Pizza Group added: “The majority of our managers started out as pizza makers or delivery drivers, so it shows there is a real opportunity to work your way up.”
See dominosrecruitment.co.uk.
