Work with us

Elvira started working in our Business Development team in 2017. She explains how her apprenticeship is supporting her career progression:

“I undertook a Level 4 Data Analysis apprenticeship with Multiverse that I will be doing for up to 24 months.

“The experience so far has been fantastic. I have the support of a 1-2-1 coach, very structured lessons, and the support of my line manager. The apprenticeship is done within working hours, and you are able to put your new skills in practice through your work almost from month one.

“I am really excited about all the data skills I will be learning, and how these will help my career progression to a full time Business Analyst role. I recommend anyone that wants either a slight career change or to develop skills to go for an apprenticeship.’

Rebecca works at EDT for the Early Years Professional Development Programme. She shares her neurodiversity experience, including responses to her dyslexia in school and when choosing her post-school pathway.

Did you have worries as a child about your future in work, because of your neurodiversity?

As a dyslexic I was told on multiple occasions that I would have to improve my grammar and spelling to get anywhere. I was once told in front of a whole class of students that I have great ideas, but I was terrible at getting my ideas down on paper.  

What effect did this have on you?

It had such a profound effect on me that I did not apply for my university of choice due to their remarks when I sent an enquiry email to them in my later school years.

Thankfully I broke down that barrier and had a successful teaching career championing ALL students.

I am now an Education Advisor for EDT and have been on [the television programme] ‘The Great Pottery Throwdown’ on Channel 4.

What would you tell your childhood self about your experience at work now? Would you reassure her?

I would tell my childhood self that neurodiversity is not a shortcoming, it is a powerful tool that makes you different in a good way and you may not figure that out until you are much older but concentrate on the elements that your brain does really well and foster them… and as Richard Branson once said… Let someone else do the things you can’t!

My career has been a challenge and my artistic hobby has been a way of making sure that my brain can be in its happy place too.

How do you feel about your neurodivergent condition?

Balancing the challenges of dyslexia and the benefits will always be a challenge but it is a great challenge to have! I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Jonathan is a trainer and assessor within Employability and Careers at EDT. Amongst the training he delivers, in 2023 he co-led two webinars on neurodiversity awareness to help colleagues at EDT share knowledge and neuro-inclusive strategies.

When and how did you receive your diagnosis of a neurodiverse condition?

I received my formal diagnosis of dyslexia at the age of 28, after attending a dyslexia awareness session as part of my induction when I joined EDT.

During this awareness session, we completed a dyslexia screening test which highlighted that I possessed some dyslexic traits. As I was due to start university, I was able to use the findings from this assessment to seek support from the university which sent me on my way to getting a formal diagnosis by a chartered psychologist.

Had you ever suspected that you had a neurodiverse condition?

No, it was not something I was familiar with or had been discussed during my education. However, I always sensed that something was different in me, especially with some of the challenges I faced in education and life. Getting the diagnosis for me was quite a relief as I now had a reason for these challenges and was able to start exploring strategies to overcome them.

Did you have worries about your future in work, because of your neurodiversity?

I suppose I was quite lucky in a way to get my diagnosis as an adult because I was already working in the sector and role that I loved. The fact that I was already doing this job and doing it well gave me the confidence to know this would not hold me back and the strengths I gain from being neurodiverse are what make me successful in what I do.

What support have you received at work that has helped you to thrive?

EDT has been supportive to me from the day I became aware I possess dyslexic traits; they have supported me with a work needs assessment which identified a range of strategies that I can use in my daily workings. This includes assistive technology, inclusive resources, and support in undertaking continuous professional development in this area to develop my own assistive strategies moving forward.

Rob joined EDT in 2022 as Deputy Director (South of England) for Employability and Careers. Before that, he worked up to senior leadership level in education, following 10 years as an officer in the British Army, including operational deployments to Afghanistan.

Why did you leave the Armed Forces?

I chose to leave as a senior Captain having thoroughly enjoyed time in command roles on operations, but ready to take on new challenges in a civilian career and to be more present for my young family.

What challenges did you overcome when resettling to civilian life?

Initially, I took a corporate role without taking the time to assess opportunities and work out what was really right for me. Then I found a role I really enjoyed in education. Although that role and managing the change brought valuable experience, on reflection it was too easy to think I should simply take any job, rather than thinking it through properly and pursuing the right thing for me.

Why did you join EDT?

I was seeking an opportunity to harness my experiences, including in education, but with scope for a wider impact. I was overwhelmingly impressed by the people-focused culture, from the very first conversation I had with the hiring manager and have not looked back since joining.

What do you do for EDT?

I oversee government-funded contracts in the South of England for the Employability and Careers directorate of EDT. This includes a range of activities, carried out by fantastic teams, such as provision of the National Careers Service (NCS) and bespoke employability programmes that support priority groups through coaching, access to suitable learning and the all-important help to secure a job.

What transferable skills and experience do you bring into your current role?

That could be a long list but military experience trains you to adapt to change and circumstances, which makes you quite versatile. I find I am quick to settle into new environments and concepts and just get on with it. Operational command also forces you to solve very fluid problems and to harness the skills and energy of incredible people, sometimes under extreme pressure, to get things done. That experience is hard to replicate. My military roles were quite analytical in nature which has come in useful, but I pursue very different targets now!

How do you support the Armed Forces community?

The Employability and Careers directorate does superb work with a range of beneficiaries, including serving members of the Armed Forces, their families and veterans. Our programmes support them in various ways to develop or adapt their skills through training and learning and to find civilian employment. I also enjoy working with other veterans in EDT and value their diverse skills and experiences.