St Helens College is encouraging experienced local construction and engineering professionals to train to teach the next generation of skilled workers as part of a new campaign, which aims to tackle the skills shortage.
Picture of our Plumbing Lecturer, Clare
The 'Tools to Teach' initiative, supported by Mayor Steve Rotheram, will see further education colleges in the Liverpool City Region join forces to recruit industry experts across all trades to help plug the skills gap.
Providing on the job teacher training for those who can pass on valuable skills, St Helens College joins Wirral Metropolitan College, Hugh Baird College, The City of Liverpool College, Riverside College and Southport College in calling on experienced professionals to help build tomorrow's workforce.
Industry experts are being invited to work with the colleges to prepare young people for future jobs by delivering courses ranging from construction, engineering, building and carpentry to joinery, plastering, plumbing and painting and decorating, as well as gas and electrical services.
Speaking on the importance of the 'Tools to Teach' campaign, Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: "Having trained as an apprentice myself, I know first-hand the life changing impact that quality careers advice and training can have on a person's future - and I want to ensure that we are giving the next generation the same chance to fulfil their potential.
"I truly believe our area has the people - and the potential - to lead the UK's Green Industrial Revolution and take advantage of the many thousands of digital, construction and engineering jobs and training opportunities it will bring. We need to ensure that we are connecting our young people to the right training opportunities, and equipping them with the lifelong skills they will need to thrive in the industries of tomorrow."
Lyn Robinson, Head of Human Resources at St Helens College added: "Training to teach can be a hugely rewarding career move, particularly in our construction and engineering department where industry experts enjoy sharing their expertise and inspiring a new generation.
"Through the 'Tools to Teach' campaign, we aim to highlight the opportunities available for experienced industry professionals, who might be thinking about a move into teaching, either full-time or as a part-time role alongside current work commitments. Whilst a degree is not essential to start teaching in further education, industry professionals will be fully supported to complete teacher training and any additional training, which aims to safeguard and promote the wellbeing of our students."
Teachers in further education can benefit from a salary of up to £42,000 per year with a generous pension scheme and flexible working hours. Construction and engineering professionals, who are considering a career move into teaching, can find out more at www.toolstoteach.co.uk.
