Hi,
I have worked in colleges and training providers for the last 15 years managing various LSC/SFA/ESF contracts. I am thinking of making the jump to freelance "trainer" as I have quite a lot of contacts in this sector and have delivered back to work programmes and personal development workshops to unemployed people and to coaching clients. As I have a young family this could give me the flexibility right now and I enjoy the delivery and have had positive feedback.
I wondered if anyone else has any experience of freelancing with colleges and training providers and has any advice or comments, and does anyone know where I could observe other trainers to continue to learn / share good practice?
Sorry to go on, I am new to the site and excited about making the jump but cautious too - any feedback appreciated. Thank you, J
3 Responses
going freelance
Hi
There are quite a few articles here on TZ about this – have a good look first.
While in theory there is more "flexibility" in being freelance – remember if the client says "I want you in xx city on monday at 8.00" – you either get the work or lose the income – please bare that in mind. If your child is sick you cannot just not work for the client on that day – you could well get charged for lost time or the cost of hiring another trainer.
Being freelance is great in many ways – but its not all "roses"
https://www.trainingzone.co.uk/item/193683
Mike
I have searched TZ but cannot find some of the articles – here are the links to similar articles on my site:
http://rapidbi.com/management/tips-going-freelance-training-consultancy/
http://rapidbi.com/management/going-freelance-independent-trainer/
http://rapidbi.com/management/going-freelance-in-difficult-times-consulting-and-training/
http://rapidbi.com/management/going-freelance-in-training-hr-or-as-a-coach/
How to Make The Brave Step To Freelance…
Hi
If you are near Lancashire the CIPD are running a free branch event ‘How to Make The Brave Step To Freelance…’ in conjunction with me on 3rd Nov. Details below.
http://www.cipd.co.uk/branch/lancashire/_events/2010_3_Nov_How_to_make_the_step.htm
Good luck, Carolyn
Freelancing
Hi,
To add to Mike’s words of warning, do not undersestimate the time you will need to put in to set up as a freelance trainer.
You mention you have a lot of contacts in your sector, why don’t you start running by them the fact that you are thinking of setting up on your own? They might give you some insight into freelancing in that sector (even if they haven’t done so themselves, they are bound to have come across someone who is) and they might even guide you towards your first opportunity.
As Carolyn suggests, do attend CIPD events and any seminars etc about setting up, they will raise more questions, give you some answers and continue fuelling your enthusiasm.
Good luck!
Pilar