Hello.
Just wondering if you did end up going as a subcontracted instructor?
I was employed full time and recently made the jump with Mentor, and I don't regret it.

You are very welcome.
If you are serious about becoming an Instructor you might want to look at MENTOR as they do recruit people they train but its the initial cost that puts people off and as I said its the catch 22 of trying to get experience if you have to be a sub-contractor as most will say you need a minimum of 1 year commercial experience.
There will (fingers crossed) always be a need to train but like any job, its getting your foot in the door. Does your present employer need an instructor as that is always a good way to start.
Good luck with your endeavours and I hope you find what you want.

Hi, thanks so much for your reoky

Yeah, everything you said makes a LOT of sense. I asked the obvious questions and got quite simple answers, that to be honest, didn't really convince me much now that I've had more time to think it through.

They basically said, to being instructors back on board, as their company needed more to be available, specifically in my area (Hmmmm).

I still wonder what the deal is because they weren't really trying to sell anything to me, but as you said, sounds too good to be true.

I didn't really get much more info as I wanted to consider it and get some opinions elsewhere, but I think I'll give this one a miss.

Thanks for your time.

Hi Madcal
Firstly I would ask what training they are offering for free and why? What would the cost be if you had to pay it yourself because you are normally looking at close to £2000 for the Instructors course. Sounds "too good to be true" to me given there are probably a number of instructors available who would be looking for work?
What does the 3 week course give you? Normal Instructor course is 10 days for the initial registration so why would it be longer and free?
I worked as a sub-contractor many years ago (in a different career admittedly) but got told when I started..we have more days work than you can imagine...didn't get paid for month 3 which totally screwed me financially and took me a year plus a bailiff warrant to get the money so that stopped that career.
Yes, there is work available for instructors but like anything its a catch 22 of what experience do you have as an instructor...none..oh well we can't employ you then...but how do I get experience??
Admittedly, back before COVID decided to make an appearance there were a number of companies advertising for Instructors and most would be as a sub-contractor, I guess its easier to have somebody available rather than sitting twiddling their thumbs in the office and I think you then become liable for your own tax and NI etc so less costs to them.
The big question too is...can you afford to jump ship into the unknown? Plus, what happens if you fail the course?
Sorry if I am being negative but I would think very carefully about the offer.
How long has the company been trading, how many other employees do they have and what are they really offering at the end?