All SET for Teaching Success! Newly qualified teachers boost sector teaching capacity in Science, Engineering and Technology

The Further Education (FE) and Training sector is to benefit from newly qualified teachers of Science, Engineering and Technology (SET), following the graduation of the first wave of trainees from an innovative programme to boost technical teaching capacity in key areas of shortage.

The eight teachers have just completed the SET for Teaching Success programme, completing either a Certificate in Education or a PGCE. As graduates or industry professionals in specialist technical subject areas, their knowledge, expertise and understanding of current work-based practices will help improve learner experiences and outcomes in these subjects.

The SET for Teaching Success programme was created by the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) to recruit, train, mentor and support individuals with expertise in SET to become teachers in the FE and Training Sector in response to nationally recognised teacher shortages in these areas.

Ellie Bennett, who has just completed a PGCE was an engineer in building design before transitioning into FE teaching through the programme. She is now a Civil Engineering Lecturer at Stephenson College in Leicestershire.

“The SET for Teaching Success programme has enabled me to become much more confident in trying new and innovative techniques in the classroom. My classes are fun and my students seem happier, as well as more capable and motivated to learn.

Isaiah Oga has just completed a PGCE and is an Engineering Lecturer at Blackburn College in Lancashire. He is a qualified Mechanical Engineer with industry experience spanning industrial manufacturing, maintenance and operations in the Engineering and banking sectors.

“I have benefitted immensely from the SET for Teaching Success programme because it gave me the opportunity to compare teaching techniques and decision making with my peers. I have been thoroughly supported, and exposed to the tools required and support needed to be a great teacher.”

The graduates joined 13 other trainees from the programme at a celebratory event held at the National STEM Centre at the University of York on 3 and 4 July 2018. All the participants were honoured and rewarded with certificates from leaders of the programme, which is delivered on behalf of the Education and Training Foundation by the Skills and Education Group, and Blackburn College.

Alison Morris, Director of Sector Development at the Education and Training Foundation, said:

“It’s great to see that the programme is successfully recruiting individuals with such technical expertise, helping to address teacher shortages and build the teaching capacity of the sector in these specialist subject areas.

“This will help improve outcomes for learners and support their progression to higher levels of study and employment.

“It was a pleasure to attend this event and celebrate the achievements of the first eight trainees to complete the SET for Teaching Success programme, as well as the hard work of the 12 trainees who have just completed their first year.”

Paul Eeles, Chief Executive of the Skills and Education Group, said:

“I am delighted to be part of this rewarding event that serves to recognise the importance and value of the Education and Training Foundation’s SET for Teaching Success programme to new and existing trainees, and to society, which has a shortage of SET teachers.

“It is fantastic what trainees on the programme have achieved so far and it’s great that they will have the opportunity to have a greater insight into what they can expect and what they can achieve.”

Nicola Clayton, Director of Business Development and External Engagement, said:

“Blackburn College is proud to be leading a Northern Hub of Colleges and training providers to address the shortage of SET teachers.

“It is fantastic to celebrate the achievement of the first trainees from the SET for Teaching Success Programme. It’s great to see the enthusiasm and energy they have for their subject and they will be an excellent addition to the FE sector.”

The SET for Teaching Success programme provides funding for trainees to access high quality Initial Teacher Education (ITE), as well as industrial or academic placements, subject updating and Technical and Knowledge Skills Enhancement (TKSE) for the trainees.