Franchisee Case Study 2: Instructor Training for over 50’s

When former bank manager Ian Sherwood took early retirement, he had no fixed ideas as to future work but felt he had a wealth of valuable experience in both business and dealing with people to offer prospective employers.

However, applications were rejected and Ian discovered being over 50 was a serious handicap to finding a worthwhile job.

Ian, who worked at Barclays Bank for 32 years, says “I’d heard about ageism but this was the first time I’d ever experienced it for myself.”

‘I applied for a few jobs. I know I was over qualified for them but I was rejected without an interview and it had to be down to my age. At 53, I felt I was on the scrap heap.
 
‘At the bank, I admired people going into business on their own, taking risks and relying on their skills and determination to be successful. I’ve always enjoyed driving and meeting people so I thought I’d train to become a driving instructor.

‘That way I could become my own boss and put all my experience helping people to good use instead of being made to feel useless at over 50.”
After qualifying, Ian signed up to a Bill Plant franchise nearly 4 years ago. Within a week he was swamped with a full diary of pupils and has never looked back since.

Ian, now 59, who lives in Dalton-on-Tees, near Darlington says: “I really enjoy my work and get a buzz every time a pupil passes their driving test - it’s terrific. I’m now also training other people to become driving instructors. Also, if I decide to semi-retire at some time in the future, then all I need to do is cut back on my hours and fit the work around my life.”

Published by admin on May 9th, 2008 in Franchisee case Studies, Driving Instructor Training, Driving Instructor Franchise