I Got Hired: Trainee History Teacher

Posted on: 13 April 2023 by Samantha Riella in Graduate stories

Aaron Reid is a BA History graduate who found his current role as a Trainee History Teacher with Teach First through Handshake and after attending a Careers Fair.

How did you get to where you are now?

I was able to apply to teach first in November 2021 but the spots for history teachers were full. So I decided to wait until June for the early applicants for 2022. In that time I was able to become a partner at John Lewis Liverpool and meet some amazing people and colleagues and learn a lot about myself, desires and working life. In September 2021 I was accepted onto the programme and  6 weeks of full time training I started work as a full time history teacher at Astrea Academy Dearne in September 2022. I learned to be patient find the right path for myself and not rush into any career for the sake of a grad after university.

What has been your best experience as part of your role?

Working with like-minded colleagues in a school committed to helping close the attainment gap in a heavily deprived region. Working with pupils is hard work and takes a lot out of you but it is very rewarding.

What has been the most challenging part of your graduate journey?   

Waiting to join my grad scheme I waited 8 months before I started training and in that time I had to still focus on being prepared.

What are your top tips for other students and graduates?

• Take your time when looking for a career
• Go to as many talks and zoom introductions to grad Schemes
• If you don’t find your dream grad job you’re in the majority and it’s better to take some time off and de-stress from 3-4 years of university.