Speech and Language Therapist - Over a year post-grad and still no job

[BeShy]

Just need to vent.

It’s been over a year since I graduated as a Speech and Language Therapist, and I still haven’t managed to secure a role. I’ve applied to countless Band 5 NHS jobs, Band 4 assistant roles, and even private companies — but I keep hitting a wall.

Originally, I was open to both adult and paediatric roles. The adult route now feels completely closed off, as most positions want fresh graduates with acute experience. Despite volunteering extensively with adults with acquired conditions in the community, I’m still unable to get the “fresh” acute experience they’re looking for. By default, that has left me focusing on paediatric roles.

Even in my last adult post application, I was asked why I didn’t apply as a fresh graduate. I explained that I did, but either wasn’t shortlisted or wasn’t successful — yet it felt like that explanation didn’t count.

I also feel let down by my uni. I was offered general community placements while I saw my peers get better opportunities, and when I tried to change placements, I had no luck. It’s frustrating knowing I worked hard, but never had the same chances to build experience.

When I apply for Band 5, I’m told to “try Band 4” first. When I apply for Band 4, I’m told I’m “too qualified.” There’s so much competition for every job, and because I’m unable to relocate, my options are even more limited.

I’ve put in so much effort — volunteering, CPD, extra training — and still nothing. CPD and training courses are so expensive, and while I’m fully aware of my NQP competencies, private supervision by other therapists can cost a lot too, making it even harder to progress.

Now I’m also hearing things like I’m “too old” or that new graduates will be prioritised.

On top of all this, I’m about to start a Teaching Assistant role at minimum wage — completely unrelated to my degree — just to keep working. It honestly feels like I’ve been left behind before I’ve even had a chance to start my career.

I don’t want to switch careers — I worked too hard for this and I love SLT — but I’m feeling so stuck, deflated, and unsure of what else I can do.

Just needed to get this off my chest. Has anyone got any advice or been in a similar situation in this or similar sector?

It’s nearly a year since I wrote my last post, and I never imagined I’d still be in this position.

Since graduating two years ago, all I’ve wanted is to start my career as a Speech and Language Therapist. Instead, I spent the last academic year working as a Level 3 Teaching Assistant in a mainstream secondary school. I genuinely enjoyed the role, learned so much, and it kept me connected to supporting children with communication needs, but it was never the career I worked so hard for. Additionally i did stuggle as i did feel i wasnt moving in my career but still taken advantage of.

Over the past two years, I've applied for countless SLT jobs. I've had interviews for NHS Band 5 posts across the UK and private SLT roles, and every time I allowed myself to hope that this might finally be the one. Unfortunately, each one ended in another rejection. Ive had interviews whilst working this TA job too and again, complete rejections...

With September approaching and no SLT job to move into, I reached the point where I simply couldn't afford to keep waiting. I contacted my agency again and have accepted another year as a Level 3 TA at a different school. I'm grateful to have a job, but if I'm honest, it feels bittersweet. At this stage in my life, I really thought I'd have started my professional career, be earning a Band 5 salary, and be building some financial stability. Instead, I'm still on a TA salary, and it's becoming increasingly difficult not to compare where I thought I'd be with where I actually am. It's not just about the money,it's about feeling like my life has been put on hold while everyone else seems to be moving forward.

It's now been two years since I graduated. I still haven't been able to complete my NQP competencies because I haven't had the opportunity to work as an SLT. I guess id have to be on the RCSLT Back to Work scheme, adding even more barrier.

For the first time, I'm genuinely questioning whether it's time to let go of becoming a Speech and Language Therapist. Writing those words is heartbreaking because this wasn't just a degree for me, it was the career I imagined for myself, the career I worked so hard for, and the future I thought I was building.

Has anyone else been in this position? Did you eventually get your break after a long gap, or did you decide to move on? I'm unsure which career path change is best. I think I just need to hear from people who understand because, right now, I feel exhausted, defeated, and completely torn between continuing to chase this dream or accepting that it may never happen.

this is so heart breaking to hear!
best start in life, family hubs and experts at hand- have you heard of any of that?

I thought LAs were getting money to invest in family hubs and to support SLT, Ed psych, send professionals?

have you looked on your LA job portals? Looked at the local offer and tried to make connections there?

good luck to you!!

I'm so sorry to read your update - I can tell just how deeply frustrated you are. But don't give up on the dream. The work you're doing in schools is still strongly relevant even if you feel you're being taken advantage of. I think you said in one of your posts that if need be as a last resort you might consider moving elsewhere? I wonder if there might be more opportunities in a city like Manchester or London? Have you got family responsibilities where you are or could you relocate? You come across as super clear and competent in your writing. I'm sure there is something out there for you - don't give up the faith Good luck!💪

Hi op, is there anything stopping you registering for locum work, or private assessments or therapy for rich parents in the meantime?
i would also consider a special needs nanny job if you are near London you’d make a fortune

https://uk.indeed.com/q-private-speech-language-therapist-l-london-jobs.html?vjk=978dc1021e390e6c

OP I notice you’re writing with AI, even in your latest update. Are you using AI to write your job applications? Could that be a factor in not getting anywhere?

The government white paper and the new ‘expert at hand’ funding means there’s likely to be more peads jobs coming up soon that we’ve seen in the last couple of years. Lots of nhs trusts are likely to be recruiting in the next few months. Don’t lose hope yet.

Try offering to volunteer at college