Spouse Employment Support Trial Success
Samantha Drew is currently based with her husband in Cyprus and has taken full advantage of the MOD’s Spouse Employment Support Trial in order to develop her career in fitness.
Tell us a bit about yourself…
I’m 30 years old and am originally from Stourbridge in the Midlands. I met my husband Craig 5 years ago and we have been married for 4 years. We lived at RAF Brize Norton and RAF Odiham before arriving at RAF Akrotiri in January 2015. I have absolutely loved the transition into military life and deem it to be a positive and varied environment. I have loved moving to different camps, making new friends, and experiencing second hand what the military has to offer us as a couple. Of course supporting my husband in his quest to serve the country and further himself in the Armed Forces is my number one priority but I felt at the age of 30 years old I knew what I wanted from life, felt settled and had a burning desire to educate myself.
Where did you hear about the trial?
I wanted to use my time here in Cyprus wisely by furthering myself and my career, but wasn’t sure exactly how to go about it. As I am currently overseas I thought my options might be limited. Whilst exploring the possibilities, I was made aware of the MOD’s Spouse Employment Support Trial, which included funding for vocational training, and immediately called to register. I then began to think about the training I wanted to do: I have always been involved in fitness from an early age and am a keen weight lifter, so I knew that I wanted to do something in that sector. As part of the programme, I was put in touch with my career consultant, Anthony and we then started to explore how I could go about studying fitness, and identified a personal trainer course that suited my needs perfectly.
How have you felt about the support so far?
Fantastic! From the application stage to the careers advice to the funding from the finance team it has been efficient and effective. From the day I put my application in to getting started on my course it took around 6 weeks.
I was able to work with my consultant Anthony to create a Spouse Development Plan (SDP) to record my goals and actions, and also had access to the CTP’s website and online resources. Anthony’s advice was vital in enabling me to pick the right company to study with, as in the beginning I had no clue how I was going to study - especially being overseas and not having access to UK classrooms. The company I have decided to study with fully support me through online learning and are aware that I am the wife of a serving person so work around me completely. They have clear material, and are available on Skype or by phone to support me.
In addition to this support, I made the PED staff at RAF Akrotiri aware that I was studying to be one of them in the civilian world and I have had amazing support from them also. I have had access to observe them doing their jobs, which has aided my learning even further.
Why personal fitness?
I have always been involved in fitness: I used to run for an athletic club in the Midlands and my parents were extremely active with me as a child which has carried through to my adult life. For me fitness, nutrition and health are just part of everyday life. I would say my love for weight training has grown in the last three years and the positive effects have just spurred my desire to make it a living. I want to be able to do something I love every day and make a difference to people’s education, and I feel that fitness is an important part of ensuring humans live a longer, healthier life.
What are your thoughts about employment in returning to the UK?
100% positive! Although I am not fully qualified as a personal trainer just yet I like to look to see what is available online. There are many employment opportunities for me once I return to the UK and of course without the MOD’s help to fund my training I wouldn’t be able to return to the UK and do what I love. In the past I have been a jack of all trades working in property, sales and travel. Although I have enjoyed my colourful past I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am now that I have been given this opportunity to do something I feel passionately about.
What ongoing support do you think you may need or want?
My aim is to be fully qualified by the time I return to the UK in January 2018. I am a complete go-getter in life so I know I will get a job in the fitness industry once I am back in the UK. It is also comforting to know that if I needed assistance I know I could approach the spousal support programme to aid me in CV writing and interview techniques, so even after learning the support never stops.
How do you feel about the future?
Completely excited. I can’t wait to finish my studies and be able to do a job I love back in the UK - finally! But first I have to get my exams passed and enjoy the rest of what Cyprus has to offer! My advice? Register for the programme, use your career consultant’s knowledge to make a clear decision that is right for you and have in mind what you want to do. Once you have made your mind up absolutely go for it - be motivated - further yourself! Thank you so much to MOD and all who have helped me as part of the trial, for assisting me to do better in my life!