TP Talent - Meet Thomas

What were you doing before joining TP? 

 I have worked in recruitment since 2021, but in the construction industry for an agency called LinkIt Recruitment (LRL), based in Hindley Green, Wigan. 

Have you taken on new responsibilities or progressed since joining?  

Since joining TP, I’ve made significant progress in my role. Starting with a completely cold area, I grew my desk to a peak of 66 days in November. Along the way, I’ve strengthened my sector knowledge and learned how to manage a busy desk while ensuring both schools and educators are fully supported. I really enjoy the responsibility of running my own desk and building strong relationships with schools that haven’t previously worked with TP, it’s rewarding to see that growth and impact. 

What’s been your proudest moment so far?  

I’m proud to have won the TP Spirit Award for my region, just after passing my probation, and achieved the highest growth on my desk last year. These accomplishments reflect how much I genuinely enjoy my job, working alongside great colleagues and building relationships with our amazing clients and candidates. Staying positive and motivated, even during stressful times, is something I value, and I hope that energy inspires those around me. 

What do you enjoy most about your role?  

Building relationships with both educators and schools is one of the best parts of my role. I love meeting new people and getting to know them, so being able to do that every day is a real bonus. The most rewarding part is when I can bring the two together and create the perfect placement, it’s a great feeling knowing I’ve helped make a positive impact for both the school and the educator. 

What’s the biggest challenge you face, and how do you approach it?  

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is prioritising tasks and managing my time effectively. Being relatively new to TP, it can feel like spinning a lot of plates - handling last-minute bookings, filling long-term vacancies, and conducting interviews all at once. It can be taxing, but I’ve learned to lean on the wealth of experience within my branch and the wider Lancashire region. By asking for advice, delegating where possible, and organising tasks based on urgency and impact, I’ve developed a more structured approach that helps me stay on top of everything. 

What do your school partners appreciate most about working with TP?  

I believe what sets us apart is the reliability, transparency, and communication we provide to our schools. While the calibre of our candidates is exceptional, it’s the genuine relationships we build beyond business that make the biggest difference. We’re always honest and open with everyone, which creates trust and long-term partnerships. 

What helps you keep good relationships with the clients you work with? 

For me, the key to maintaining strong client relationships is honesty and openness. Schools need to feel they can trust us, and that starts with clear communication. I enjoy getting to know the people I work with, understanding what matters to them and finding common ground. Regular updates on their educators, vacancies, and new candidates help keep everything transparent, which builds confidence and long-term trust. 

What motivates you in your work?  

What motivates me most is receiving positive feedback on the placements I make. My goal is always to match educators with roles that suit them and meet the needs of the children they’ll be supporting. When I hear that both the school and the educator are happy, it’s an amazing feeling, and that’s what drives me to keep working hard for my clients and candidates. 

Do you have any goals for the year ahead?  

My main goal for the year ahead is to recruit more exceptional teachers and support staff. By doing this, I can give schools a wider choice of high-quality candidates and help ensure pupils receive the best possible education. Achieving this will also support my personal career goal; to earn my first promotion within Teaching Personnel. I’m committed to developing my skills, gaining more experience, and working my way up the career ladder. Ultimately, I want to reach a point where I can share my knowledge and help my colleagues succeed too. 

Quick-fire: Summer or Winter?

This might be controversial, but I love winter. There is nothing better than going home, getting your cosy/fluffy PJs on with a hot chocolate and watching a good chick flick. You cant beat a bit of Bridgett Jones. I might not seem to be the person would do that, but that’s me!