In the time of recession, the media has been filled with despair and fear about the UK employment market. A recent survey showed the that, for each graduate position advertised, there are generally around 70 applicants. The public sector cuts has meant that a large number of individuals with transferable abilities are searching for new opportunities driving instructor blacktown. Of course people choose to change careers all the time, but at the moment there is a huge rise in people changing careers with management, training or people-related skills behind their new careers. Learning to become a driver instructor is now a common choice for a lot of these professionals as the ability to instruct people on new skills along with good interpersonal skills are essential to the role.

Flexible working hours, high income potential and job satisfaction are all key benefits of the job. But how do you really feel? We spoke with Leigh Honeyman of RED Driving School based in Wallington near Croydon on the process involved in switching career paths and becoming a driving instructor.

So Leigh What did you do before becoming a driving instructor?

"Before joining RED I was in the Army for 13 years. I joined an Army Cadets Unit when I was in school and then when I was 17 I joined the British Army where I worked as a Heavy Weapons Instructor."

Driving instructors after having been a Heavy Weapons Instructor is certainly an adjustment! What were the main differences in teaching people to drive as opposed to teaching people to operate anti-tank missiles?

"The difference in attitude; soldiers in the army learn because they have to learn, in some cases their lives depend on it. When you teach people to drive they want to learn but sometimes they aren't as focused as soldiers so you have to be a bit more patient."

Because your change in career was somewhat unusual are you of the opinion that individuals with backgrounds different from yours might be able to become driving instructors?

"Certainly, anyone with a background in any sort of teaching would be well prepared for it. To a certain extent anyone with kids should be able to do it as they spend a lot of time teaching their children!"

Do you think to soldiers thinking of leaving the army to be driving instructors?

"I would, particularly if they have an instructor background like me. The results in this job are sometimes a lot more rewarding than meeting your goals in the army. I know it's a cliche, but when you teach someone to drive you really are passing on a life skill. In the Army things are changing all the time so something you teach someone today might not be any use in a few years time."

What did your education look like as you learned towards becoming an instructor?

"Training with RED was great; they provide a lot of support if you struggle with anything. I found certain aspects of the course difficult but they provided extra sessions and teaching, which obviously paid off as I made it! I think its one of those things where you get out what you put in. If you work hard and put in a lot of effort you will be successful. If you don't work hard you're probably going to struggle."

Many people believe they will struggle with the training because they feel it hard to learn new skills, and especially how to teach. Do you think that the training you received will prepare the majority of individuals?

"To a certain extent, you can't just turn up and expect to be a driving instructor by the end of it. The more you put into it the more you will get out of it; you've got to work hard to do well. I grabbed the bull by the horns and gave it my all, it certainly paid off. Essentially if you want it then the support you need is there as long as you apply yourself."

As Leigh's tale demonstrates, becoming a driving instructor can be extremely rewarding. Leigh's story shows that with the right amount of determination and hard work , you can get great outcomes as a driving instructor, regardless of your background or prior careers.