This month we asked one of our Team Leaders, Tommy, to tell us about his experience in working at Bespoke Guardians. Here’s what he had to say:
I was lucky to start my career path off with my dream job as a soldier in the British Army, “Best Job you’ll ever have” is what they say and at the time I fully agreed. Little did I know, down the line, that that would change. During my time as a soldier, I became a Dad and after many years of service it was time to move on and find a Career that would help get back valuable family time. I set my mind on looking for a job that suited my military skillset and moved into the private Security Sector. Working as a Close Protection Operative, I carried out a range of jobs from guarding doors to protecting ultra-high net worth clients. Again, it was a job I very much liked. However, I still found myself working away from home and felt that after leaving the military I was no longer making a difference. So again, I went looking.
This is when I found Bespoke Guardians and responded to an advert for a support worker. I’d never considered a job as a support worker, let alone changing sectors, and I wasn’t even sure if my skillsets would apply to this job role. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I found a company that had the same values and standards I had upheld for years and fully supported family life and everything that comes with it. At every step from induction to starting work on the ground I was given invaluable training, resources, support from management and staff alike. Being part of a team that was so invested enabled me to confidently support young people facing some of life’s most difficult challenges.
I found that in facing these challenges alongside these children I had to draw on every skill I had previously learned, not only in previous careers, but in life and as a Dad. I felt right away that the company was behind me, pushing me forward, refining my strengths and turning weaknesses in into equally strong skill sets. Throughout this process I realised the importance of becoming a role model, a shoulder to lean on for some of life’s vulnerable young people and how much you can achieve with a company whose words are strengthened by their actions.
My time in this industry has been brief, challenging and exciting. I’ve started this journey and have found purpose again. This has given me the privileged opportunity to be part a process that helps young people navigate difficult times whilst being able see the impact you’re having on a young person’s life simply doing by Doing what others won’t.
