A career in teaching – Dean’s story

When Dean joined Better Working Futures, he had been out of work for a long time, and his mental health and wellbeing had suffered.

His Employment Adviser, Vicky, took the time to get to know Dean to find out what had been stopping him from working, as well as establish his job future job goals. A recent graduate with teaching experience, Dean expressed an interest in a teaching career, and was keen to take advantage of all our support on offer.

Together, Dean and Vicky scheduled weekly progress meetings and created a tangible plan of action to support Dean to feel less anxious and more confident.

Dean attended multiple support sessions, which helped him with his anxiety and how to manage stress. ‘Talking to an employer about a health condition’ was really useful to Dean along with other sessions that included Monday Mindfulness, Take Charge Tuesday, and Mood Management.

Vicky told us: “Dean engaged well within the sessions and used the strategies at home, also sharing these with his son. Dean has a real passion around mindfulness and completed several training courses during his time here. He contributed to all elements of the courses and was very supportive with other individuals who struggled with literacy, these are skills that Dean took forward with him into his chosen career in education.”

We introduced Dan to Recruitment Adviser, Josie, who knew of some vacancies available with a local teaching agency, which was ideal for Dean.

Josie told us: “I had a chat with Dean about submitting his CV and an application to them, and within a few days he was invited for an interview for a teaching role. Following his successful interview, he was given a ‘work trial day’ at a local school and from which he was offered a full-time role as a teacher!”

Better Working Futures further supported Dean with funding his DBS check and providing vouchers for smart workwear to start his new job with.

Dean shared: “I have benefited from all the sessions that I’ve attended throughout my time on Better Working Futures. It has helped me with my anxiety, to gain employment and to also to get back into education.

“I am approaching the end of my first month in work, and still really enjoying it. The staff are all amazing and I’ve formed a great relationship with them and the pupils.”