Jobs, training and volunteering opportunities in schools will take centre stage at Portsmouth Guildhall in a bid to boost employment prospects in the city.
Teach Portsmouth, a Portsmouth City Council initiative to recruit the best professionals for schools and academies will welcome people to the Teach Portsmouth Jobs and Opportunities Fair on Monday 22 May from 10am – 2pm.
Located on the first floor, the event will provide a range of ‘opportunities’ tailored to meet the needs of those wanting to work in education.
Exhibitors will include schools, colleges and academies who will promote non-teaching vacancies as well as training providers offering information on apprenticeships and short courses.
Mike Stoneman, deputy director for children, families and education at Portsmouth City Council said:
“Teach Portsmouth has enjoyed early success with their information events to encourage more people to become teaching assistants. We know there is a need to promote other roles within schools and colleges to ensure communities have the people they need.
“This new event will showcase a wide variety of non-teaching jobs across education. Whether that’s supporting pupils in the classroom or managing the front desk at a school, everyone plays a vital part in the learning and development of children and young people.”
In July 2022, Teach Portsmouth launched a series of information events to support people wanting to become teaching assistants. The events have resulted in 20 people starting English and maths functional skills courses (equivalent to a GCSE qualification) and three people who have started an apprenticeship or a job in a school.
To further build upon this success, a new taster morning scheme was trialled with an academy and secondary school. Thinking Schools Academy Trust (TSAT) took part in the initial trial which resulted in five applications for teaching assistant vacancies and one person being placed as a volunteer.
This partnership will continue with TSAT becoming an official sponsor of the Teach Portsmouth Jobs and Opportunities Fair.
Stuart Gardener, CEO at the Thinking Schools Academy Trust said:
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Teach Portsmouth on this event. We feel it’s a fantastic way to shine a light on the many exciting and rewarding opportunities within the education sector.
“We acknowledge the challenges that schools face when recruiting, but by collaborating with partners, we can attract those who want to start their careers in education sooner. We are excited to meet new people and inspire them to explore opportunities with us.”
Those who attend the fair can also visit the Opportunities Room, a space where presentations are given throughout the day. There will be information on apprenticeships and short courses, how to become a teaching assistant and flexible jobs in education.
The event is free to attend but will require people to register for a ticket in advance online. Once registered, an event ticket provides entry into the venue and presentations throughout the day.
More information on the Teach Portsmouth Jobs and Opportunities Fair can be found at www.teachportsmouth.co.uk/events.