Caitlan Perks – Education Recruitment Consultant

Name: Caitlan Perks. 
Age: 27. 
Current role: Consultant. 

How long have you been with Aquinas?

I have worked with Aquinas since November 2021 so for about 9 months.

How did you become an Education Recruitment Consultant?

To be perfectly honest I'm not entirely sure. I was working as a year 4 teacher at a lovely school in Brent and decided that I wanted to make a change but still use my skills in education. I received a call and spoke to Ashleigh one of the consultants at Aquinas and she asked if I would consider a role in recruitment. I knew what education recruitment looked like having worked with a few different teaching agencies as a teacher but I wasn't sure exactly what the job would entail and if it would suit me. So far my journey in recruitment has been great, it's hard work with long hours but it is worth it. We have a fantastic team and are growing rapidly. I enjoy building great relationships with my teachers and with schools. With my teaching background I feel I can relate really well with my candidates and with the schools and what they are looking for.

Why Aquinas?

After my initial phone call with Ashleigh I looked into Aquinas Education, I had heard the name previously from other supply teachers. I liked that they were a small company that promoted a personalised experience from start to finish. I found with my experience working as a teacher with other agencies that during the process you tend to feel like just another number and you lose track of who you are speaking to. I also liked that they had the Aquinas Foundation which they promoted within the schools they work with. With Aquinas you get your own consultant to speak to, the process from start to finish is fast but personalised. We take the time to get to know you and find out exactly what you want and how we can help you to achieve that.

What attracted you to the job?

I liked the challenge. I knew it would be a completely different role and wanted to challenge my skills and see what I could push myself out of my comfort zone. Once I started, I really enjoyed the team and the ethos of the company.

Is it what you expected?

To a degree it is what I expected but there is also a lot more that goes into recruitment that I don't think people realise. It has been a fantastic learning journey. I know I will continue to learn and build on my current skills within the company. It is an industry that is constantly changing and the best will grow and learn with it. The hard work and long hours are definitely what I expected, but sometimes the level of stress that comes with not wanting to let a school down can become difficult. It is when you need a great team around you to help support you.

Best bits about the role

I really enjoy getting to know different teachers and support staff. Learning about their experience and what their ideal role within education would be is great and I like using my knowledge of working within the education system to help them to achieve their goals and find that ideal role. The supportive team environment is great, we are all very social and have a lot of fun, but we are equally as supportive towards each other. I like the challenge that you never know what each day is going to look like.

Worst bits about the role

Sometimes having to let a school down is not fun as you know they will struggle to find someone to cover that class or support that student. You never truly switch off from this job, even when on holidays you check your emails and think about things you have to get done when you're back - which has its positives and negatives.

What training have you had?

I was trained by Sam who is one of the directors of the company. I shadowed him for a few weeks to learn a desk, and get to know the schools and the candidates. I was then given hints and tips from the branch managers on how to fine-tune my skills and adapt them depending on the situation. I was trained on basic compliance and given training on how to make the best sales calls. I use a lot of my skills within education to help relate to the schools and candidates.

Where do you see yourself progressing in the next few years?

I definitely see myself working with Aquinas Education for the next few years and progressing through the company. My situation is slightly different as I have a few different roles within the company. I see myself becoming more involved across the company and not just within the London office. Promoting our international recruitment and making a name for ourselves within that sector.

Would you recommend the role to a friend?

I would definitely recommend the role to a friend with the awareness that it is hard work but rewarding.

What qualities do you think you need to be able to really succeed?

I think you need to be willing to learn from different people but adapt your skills to suit your desk or your schools. You need to be very flexible and adaptable to different situations as no two days will be the same. You also need to be very organised and have a good memory.

Do you want to become an Education Recruitment Consultant?

We are recruiting for all of our offices. If you are interested in joining the team, then please have a read of our dedicated recruitment page here.

Are you a teacher?

If you are a teacher then please, register FREE on the Aquinas Education system below and we will be in touch with you asap about this or other opportunities that may suit you.

Equal opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer strongly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate their commitment to children’s safeguarding. All successful appointments will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and a range of other pre-employment recruitment checks.