to want DP to let me go on this course?

[Desperateretrainedmumof3]

I retrained nearly 2 years ago but haven't got a job. We're really struggling with money, we could even lose the house.

Anyway there's a course which teaches you how to get interviews for the field I retrained in, it costs £50 and is based in London (we don't live in London so travel costs but a return train is £20 then tube costs so maybe £80 total?

DP says its snake oil, taking advantage of people's misery, but it's totally legitimate. I feel so unsupported by DP. AIBU?

[SilverApples]

If it is teaching, the job has changed in the last few years, including the new curriculum, new OFSTED criteria and the rest. I'd go for supply and get some cash coming in, then fit the course in if I still felt it would be useful.
You retrained, so that was a PGCE? Did you not complete an NQT year?
But no job in 2 years? I'm not surprised your DP is worrying.

[ffluffy]

I wouldn't waste your money on it. Instead, try looking on //www.TES.co.uk for advice or on mn.

If you are finding it hard to get back into work, supply would be a good option or even apply for TA jobs to rebuild your confidence.

Often, you hear about vacancies through people so just by getting yourself back into the community may mean you hear about more jobs.

[Kaffiene]

Just seen this is for teaching. DH has just gone back into teaching. At first he didn't get even offered interviews or accepted for supply. then he spent last term volunteering 2 days a week in a local school. He is now on 2 supply lists and has an interview for a full time job next week. Sounds like you are lacking experience rather than certificates.

[Desperateretrainedmumof3]

Supply work just isn't practical, as have young DCs and if I am at work they need to be in childcare. We couldn't afford childcare if I wasn't working, and it isn't guaranteed in supply.

Have applied for loads and loads of jobs but don't get anywhere.

[Strictly1]

If it is teaching I've done lots of short listing and interviewing and will help.

[Desperateretrainedmumof3]

The course is advertised on the TES, that's where I found it.

[TwllBach]

I'm a teacher too OP, just finished my NQT year. When I graduated I applied for 70 jobs and got 20 interviews in 2011 - those are quite good odds I think.

Last year I applied for ten and got 8 interviews - if you want a hand PM me.

I didn't write the above to brag btw, although I'm sure it comes across like it

[Juno77]

Agree - this is a waste of money. There's plenty of advice to be had, why not ask for feedback from the interviews you have had, or apply to do some voluntary work in a school, or use your network for tips on interview technique?

The job centre run free courses on interview skills - start there. Even if you don't find them useful, they're free so why not.

In the meantime, at risk of losing your house, get any job. You could get untrained work such as cleaning, hospitality, retail etc. and earn whilst you still look for work in teaching. Bar work particularly is good as you can often do evening shifts, leaving your days free to job hunt.

[Strictly1]

Btw, I agree with others, I doubt you will learn anything on the course that you won't find on the tes or elsewhere for free.

[Desperateretrainedmumof3]

I have tried for any job, I've said that loads, I feel like shit now, please stop it, I'm not lazy but we can't afford 2 cars if I'm not working and if I'm not working we need me at home with kids. I really thought I'd love teaching but clearly I am not very good at it, it's not about thinking I am not good enough to work in Asda or whatever. I did get temporary seasonal work behind a bar but that stops soon.

[Joules68]

Yes, ask the jobcentre for advice?

[TwllBach]

It's not about you not being good at teaching Desperate it's about the sheer volume of people applying for jobs. Several schools I interviewed at made it known that there were over 300 applicants, and I often interviewed as one of 8+ candidates, which I gather is a relatively new thing.

It is very easy to get disheartened, especially when (if you were like me...I started training in 2008) we were promised an almost guaranteed job at the end of it.

I do think that the course is a waste of money though...

[Strictly1]

I don't think anyone is suggesting you are lazy. I certainly wasn't. It can be demoralising applying for jobs and not getting anywhere. Do you always visit the school before applying? As this is the start of the interview really. Do you make sure that each letter of application is specific to each school? Have you completed your NQT year?

[ATruthUniversallyAcknowledged]

Op, I'm also a teacher and have also been involved in shortlisting. Would you be prepared to post more info about where you are geographically, age group/specialism etc so that we can try to help?

The staffroom section on here is also full of helpful/supportive people. using us may save you £80!

[Joules68]

Are you actually getting to interview stage for all these jobs you've applied for? And then just not hearing back?

Where are you looking for work? Which sites?

[Snargaluff]

I think I know the course you're on about. It is meant to be very good, but if you go on the finding work section of tes there is masses of advice for free. I followed it and got a job.

[notapizzaeater]

I'm training at mo to be a teacher, also a Part time TA and a governor.

Have you done any teaching in the last 2 years, since qualifying ? Or been in any schools ? Tbh If you haven't I don't think you'd even get an interview.

Have you looked at private tutoring / kip McGrath sort of stuff ?

Could you bite the bullet and pay for childcare for a day a week and volunteer for that day (maybe watching could cover it - no idea how this works ?)

[ChasedByBees]

I think if you're applying for lots of jobs but not getting interviews, you might need to look at your CV in depth and consider how tailored it is to each role. I don't think the course will help you, sorry.

[Strictly1]

Also, I know that when you receive hundreds of applications there can be very little, if anything, between interviewing one applicant and not another, as you can realistically only interview so many. It is tough but it is worth it. Other work whilst you continue to look may be an option?

[notapizzaeater]

Watching = tax credits !!

[woodrunner]

Desperate, you can earn pretty good money as a private tutor in your chosen subject if you have teaching qualifications, or as a general tutor if you are trained for primary teaching. Just go to the nearest area where there are people who are not in dire financial straits and put up flyers offering your services. I will happily help you with the wording of those flyers if you'd like (I write copy for a living) and can also give advice about tutoring as I've done that too. Not ideal, but the hourly rate can be better than teaching and until a permanent job comes along, it could be a great way to bring in good income.

[SilverApples]

No one is trying to make you feel bad about yourself, but if you are in a position where £80 is a big deal, I can see why he's reluctant.
have you completed an NQT year
Are you getting any interviews, or is it your CV that's the problem?
If you are getting interviews, what feedback are you getting?
What did you do in the time between retraining and now?
What sort of references did you get from college, and what class did you get in your degree? If it's secondary, is it a shortage subject?
I'm not wanting you to answer these questions here, but think about the answers.

[TheArticFunky]

Take Strictly1 up on her offer and network with other teaching professionals. The course won't be offering any magic solutions you should be able to get the same advice from others.

I disagree with the advice to take any job you have a profession and a desire to get back into that profession that should be your focus for now.

Good luck. Where there is a will there is a way.

[Oakmaiden]

Applying for teaching jobs is so very disheartening. I completely understand what you are saying. I qualified last year, and have been working on supply since - and I honestly think that is the key to getting a first contracted job. I don't know what area you are in, but I have had heaps of supply work offered, and next term am working supply full time - which is a great relief as I can plan childcare etc now as well!

How old are your children?

[Oakmaiden]

ps - if anyone wants to offer a MN Masterclass on writing successful personal statements for teaching jobs, my name would go right on the list of eager listeners.