TP 30 Years - Vicky

How long have you been with Teaching Personnel and where are you based? What first brought you to the company?

I’m based in our Southampton office and have been with Teaching Personnel just over 11 years, starting in January 2015. I first joined the company as a referral from a friend, we had previously worked together in a nightclub! I had started a PGCE but pulled out as it wasn’t for me – I knew this role was somehow related to education, so I reached out to my friend and when she told me about her role I was really keen to get involved.

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

Over my time I’ve worked in all 3 sectors, from trainee Recruitment Consultant to Operations Manager. I started as a trainee recruitment consultant in Dorset helping primary schools, where I progressed up to a branch manager within 2 years. After a year as a branch manager, I moved over to our Dorset SEND team, where I worked as branch manager until I went on maternity leave in 2023. After maternity leave, I managed our Hampshire Secondary branch for a term and a half, before stepping into an Operations Manager role for Dorset in March 2025. 

What I’ve loved most about my role as a manager is seeing recruitment consultants develop and progress up the career ladder. I love helping my teams to hit their goals and get promoted. Ove the years I’ve supported people go from trainee recruitment consultants through to management roles, and I’ve loved being a part of that journey.

What has been a highlight of working here?

• The team in Dorset hitting a big target as a team of 4
• Converting a primary school, placing 11 long-term members of staff there, and the head saying we were a part of their journey from going from Requires Improvement to Good in the space of 2 years!

What has surprised you most in your time here?

How quickly the time goes and how much you can progress! 11 years has flown by because I’ve genuinely loved my time here. Also looking back at how many promotions I’ve had during that time is surprising!

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

I have completed a Level 3 management apprenticeship through Teaching Personnel! Whilst I was a branch manager me and a few others completed a Level 3 Management course – which we did in work time and was funded by Teaching Personnel. This really helped me to develop into a senior branch manager and now onto being an operations manager. 

What would you tell someone considering joining or working with Teaching Personnel?

It’s a great company to work for and it’s such an exciting role. You get out of it what you put in! If you are passionate about the sector and willing to put the work in, you will really succeed in this role.

Think you could follow a similar path? Find out more about careers at Teaching Personnel and where it could take you.