If you told someone from my secondary school I would become a teacher, they would laugh out loud. I was not the best student at school, but I really enjoyed sports and the day-to-day environment. I went to the UK for a gap year after I completed school and coached rowing in Cambridge. After that I decided to go back to South Africa and study at university. My degree was in Business Management and Fashion Design.

Being at university really ignited my fascination with education and cognitive understanding. I started reading and researching over and above my dictated work and found I had a passion for how the human brain works. This interest developed over the years alongside my careers in the business world ranging from operations and marketing through to entrepreneurship and strategic planning.

Last year, I reached a point in my career where I could choose the next marketing career challenge or totally change direction. I had been mulling the idea of working in education or with young minds for years. It felt too daunting to make the change and I didn't take it too seriously until I stumbled across a teacher training website and down the rabbit hole I went.

I did my research and contacted a few training providers, my experience was that the process was not fluid and I spent far too much time chasing for information so my enthusiasm waned.

I came across the GUTP when I was looking into doing a school experience day at a well known secondary school in my area. From the get go, they were professional, helpful and knowledgable about the training process and experience.

The application and recruitment process was really straightforward and the team at the GUTP guided (and reminded) me through each step. They are mindful that many people on this journey are still working during this time or juggling other personal and professional commitments. The interview was thorough but also gave me a little insight into what they expected of me and what I was getting myself into.

Remember, an interview goes both ways. They are looking into you but you are also assessing whether this is the right place for you. Needless to say, I passed and am now about 5 weeks into my training. I am really enjoying it and I have no regrets. It's busy, I am learning so much and I am meeting some briliant collagues and fellow trainees. The GUTP team are still supporting and guiding us through the process and will be until we qualify and I have been assured this still will still apply long after if needed.

My tips for taking on teacher training: Do your homework on what is required and what is available to you in your area, sort your finances early and take things in your stride. This is a year of learning and evolving.

November 2023.