TP 30 Years - Jenny

How long have you been with Teaching Personnel, and what first brought you to the company?

I’ve been with Teaching Personnel for 10 years now, and what a journey it’s been.

My career path here has been anything but typical. I started out as a TA with the London branch, when my consultant suggested I consider a Recruitment Consultant role. I interviewed and received an offer, but life had other plans and I had to relocate to Cambridge that same week. 

Fortunately, my consultant connected me with the Cambridge Branch Manager who was looking for a Recruitment Consultant and I joined as a Trainee Consultant working with primary schools. From there, things moved quickly: I stepped into a Team Leader role, hired my own consultant, then became Branch Manager. I later moved to working with SEND schools, hired a Team Leader for Primary. I then took on the Essex branch as well, giving me the chance to manage across locations and lead a much larger team. 

In 2021, I moved to Wales and thought I might have to leave Teaching Personnel, as there wasn’t a role available in Cardiff. But the Operations Director at the time called and asked if I’d consider opening the Swansea office. That became a whole new project for me. In March, I interviewed for and was offered the OM role for South Wales, overseeing our support to secondary and SEND schools across Cardiff and Swansea. I now manage five successful branches. 

Why have I stayed for a decade?

Because I’ve been given a new challenge every few years, a new project, a new team, and endless opportunities for personal growth.

Tell us about your role. How has it evolved, and what do you love most about it?

I’ve been a manager for around 7.5 years, and that’s where I’ve found the most joy. I love coaching people, pushing them beyond their comfort zones, and watching their confidence grow. Seeing consultants progress through their careers and become really resilient is incredibly rewarding.

What has been a highlight of working here?

There have been so many. Every peak week achieved across all my branches. Every promotion my team members have earned. Celebrating weddings, big nights out, and all the moments in between. Travelling to India to help train our amazing Vetting Consultants. The highlights have always been the people.

What has surprised you most during your time here?

Honestly, how long I’ve stayed and how often my managers have recognised when I was ready for something new. They’ve always found fresh challenges and projects for me, just when I needed them.

How has the company invested in your development? How do you use those skills today? 

 I’ve learned from some incredible people over the years, but the company has also invested in my formal development. I completed my Level 3 in Team Leadership and my Level 5 in Coaching through external providers. Those skills shape how I lead every single day.

What would you tell someone considering joining Teaching Personnel?

It’s not an easy job, you give a lot of yourself to it but what you get back, in terms of growth, relationships, and pride in your work, is worth every bit of effort.

As Teaching Personnel celebrates 30 years, what excites you most about the future?

We’ve been through a lot of change in recent years. I’m looking forward to seeing the company settling into a steady rhythm again with a new Managing Direction, return to growth, and start hitting those big peak weeks once more. In Wales we’ve hit 3000 days this year and our next goal is to beat Wales’s historic peak week with a huge 3500 days.

Interested in following a similar path? Discover how Teaching Personnel supports career growth and explore opportunities to join our team.