So I’ve been a carer for a few years. I’ve had enough of the terrible pay and I don’t work well with people’s office politics and petty arguments - I am interested in a job where I am by myself most of the time. I have experience driving mini buses and doing long distance driving. I see the drivers shortage on the news.
I’ve been searching around for options.Im looking at starting the process for category C training.
I know a lot of brokers are out there and some have been vile and sneaky and trying to shove things in my face. However I live in the Scottish Borders where there is only one trainer who is very expensive. It seems that my cheapest option is to go with a particular broker who has been extremely helpful with advice and has much more excellent reviews than others, and also allows me to pay it in instalments. I know a lot of people say run away from brokers, but this suits my financial situation.
I ideally would like a part time driving job as I have a son with special needs and a partner who has health issues, so I don’t want to be out on the road all the time, and when at home be tired. I want to have a life. I’m not after mega bucks, but I would like a better wage than being a carer. Are part time jobs out there?
I am a bit of an insomniac and I struggle if I do not have regular sleep patterns. Is this the wrong job for me?
Are employers often respectful and helpful?
I will probably have more questions later but right now I am asking these - I am worried I am making a rash decision, but I’m not sure what other choices I have at the moment.
I’m currently going through the process so I don’t know a lot. But I would say avoid a broker at all costs. They don’t have your best interests in mind. Could you consider an interest free credit card? There are lots out there which last about 2 years. Part time driving on an agency could be the answer. But from what I’ve seen driving is long days mostly.
ROG:
Have you considered a residential course perhaps with the forum sponsor Peter Smythe
I didn’t know this was a possibility. I’ll talk to them today!
Lobstrosity
Many, many folk travel from north of the border. Without a doubt, a very good option.
Finance available as well. And dont forget to ask for Pass Protection to take the pressure off. You’ll get free accommodation for the duration of your course, test on site (not at a public test centre) and training from a fully qualified, registered instructor in an up to date vehicle.
Definitely possible to be part time with agency work. You tell them what days you’re available. Bear in mind there’s no guarantee you’ll be working every day you’ve asked for so there won’t be consistent wages. They may even offer you different rates on different days depending on who the customer is.
Early starts are the norm. Don’t be surprised to be told to get to the yard at 4-6am.
The days can be long. I’m talking really long! 15 hours long… not including your commute to and from work.
Steer well clear of trainer brokers. You’ll be paying way over the odds and even if they have good reviews (which I’d take with a pinch of salt) there’s no guarantee the training provider has good reviews. Ask yourself why a good training school would need to use a broker? Surely if they’re good their own reputation would get them all the pupils they need.
