A call for people in Portsmouth to become teaching assistants are invited to attend an information event on Tuesday 28 February at Central Library (third floor) from 10am to 2pm.
Teach Portsmouth, a Portsmouth City Council initiative to train and recruit the best professionals for the city’s schools is holding an information event for those interested in supporting pupils in the classroom.
Vacancies within the sector remain unfilled due to pressures over COVID and staff taking early retirement. Over 100 people have attended two previous events with many going on to start apprenticeships with local training providers in schools or apply for jobs directly.
Cllr Suzy Horton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council said:
“At the start of the year, we set out our aspirations for the city which focused on its recovery from COVID. We understood the importance of training and education and the power of upskilling people.
“There are many opportunities in Portsmouth to try something different or start a career in a sector you love. If you want to become a teacher or want to support pupils in the classroom, becoming a teaching assistant is a fantastic place to begin.”
The information event is a first step towards finding out more about the profession and the careers it can offer. The Learning Place and the City of Portsmouth College will provide information on apprenticeships and short courses in education.
The Wymering School, Thinking Schools Academy Trust and Trafalgar School will be promoting their learning support vacancies too.
Mike Stoneman, deputy director for children and education at Portsmouth City Council said:
“Supporting pupils is a rewarding experience. It is a varied role that could see you working in a group or on a one-to-one basis.
“It is important to note that working as a teaching assistant isn’t just a steppingstone into teaching, it is a career in its own right. People can progress onto more specialist or senior roles, if they want to.”
Those interested can book on to one of two sessions at the event. Short presentations from teaching assistants will introduce attendees to the topic with a question-and-answer session held at the end. After the presentations, attendees can speak to exhibitors and learn more about becoming a teaching assistant in Portsmouth.
To find out more information and to book your free ticket, visit www.teachportsmouth.co.uk/TA.