Struggling to find any work within industry (and even beyond) tips and pointers please!

[Frokni]

I have worked in education as a teacher (further education) for 5 years and have delivered a lot of teacher training. I have had zero luck when applying for jobs, no interviews, nothing. For the most part I have been completely ignored not even a courtesy email.

My second child is due in October and I want to start avidly looking again for work in 2018. I have been to a careers advisor, I have had my CV professionally redone, I am undertaking a short project (from a company I have worked on and off with for years- the income is unreliable so not a long-term solution at all) which will look great on my CV - I will be training refugees to become teachers to help more refugees from their home countries arriving in UK

I am not at all optimistic that I will be any better off next year even with this good experience on my CV. It is soul-crushing at times, I want to work, I need to work, I should be able to work. I do not know how I can adjust my CV to adapt to other industries - retail etc, because it is just not what I have experience in.

The job market in education is competitive (I am not a degree-holder), I am qualified to degree-level and am an associate teacher, plus much more. I have great references, but it is all a waste as I am up against people with MA's and people who KNOW people so there are a lot of jobs that happen internally at colleges etc and I am not working at one so its impossible.

Anyway, has any one been here after years of working, and feels like their CV and work experience is amounting to nothing. I would love to re-train, but it costs money I do not have.

Any advice or guidance or stories would be appreciated
Thnx

[SSunnyFace14]

Are you on LinkedIn and other social networks?

[Mislou]

I also work in education, and refugees. I found my job by phoning a potential employer for advice and asking if I could come in for a chat. ( Then you get a chance to show who you are ) I was offered a little relieving work then when funding was found for a new project I was employed. I always find work by calling or visiting as it's easier to make connections. I have worked at places where CVs are coming in all the time and management are too busy to look at them . It's so much easier for an employee to recommend someone. Keep asking ex coleagues too to lust b out for you. Good luck !

[Mislou]

I meant to ' look out for you' , listen for opportunities that may come up.

[Frokni]

Thank you mislou that's really good advice. I am hoping that this new connection will open up something else for me when they see what I can do in the classroom.