Franchisee Case Study 1: The Young Mum

Mother-of-two Rachel Darby believes becoming a driving instructor is an ideal job for busy women juggling childcare arrangements.
 
She says; ‘It’s a perfect job for mums like me.  Yet it’s not a career most women with kids would think about entering.   What else could I do to be in control of when I work as well as earning a good salary?’
 
Rachel, 29, lives with her two children Oliver, three, and one year old Owen at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire. While her husband Dave, a sergeant in 5 Regiment Royal Artillery, was away on a seven month tour of duty in Afghanistan, Rachel qualified as an approved driving instructor.
 
She signed up with Bill Plant due to the low weekly franchise fee, compared to other schools, and the company’s ongoing support package.
 
Rachel says: “At any point my husband could be posted elsewhere in the UK. Thankfully doing this means all my efforts to build up a business as a good instructor won’t feel wasted. This is one job I’ll be able to carry on doing because my skills are totally portable and Bill Plant will help me fill my diary with new pupils in another part of the country.’
 
Rachel switched to become a driving instructor after working as a graduate trainee restaurant manager in the catering industry.  She says: ‘The shift work didn’t suit me even when I had no children. Being an Army wife when Dave is away is like being a single mum. I need set working hours which I control to fit round childcare and the kids. 
 
‘I’ve always liked meeting people and passing on new skills. The feeling I get when one of my pupils passes their driving test is fantastic.’

Published by admin on May 2nd, 2008 in Franchisee case Studies, Driving Instructor Training, Driving Instructor Franchise