Celebratory event for students SET for Teaching Success

Aspiring teachers ready to embark on a special programme designed to kick start teaching careers in SET – Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) attended a celebratory event this week.

Over 20 learners on the Education Training Foundation (ETF) SET for Teaching Success programme at various English further education colleges, attended a prestigious two-day event held at the National STEM Centre, University of York on 3 and 4 July 2018.

The inspiring event was designed to highlight the fully funded teacher training programme, which is a national project being delivered by the Skills and Education Group and Blackburn College.

The trainees benefitted from participating in a range of interactive sessions during the two days led by representatives from the Skills and Education Group, Blackburn College and the Education and Training Foundation.

Majd Khad, 34, who is doing a Level 7 PGCE course at Derby College said:

“It has been very worthwhile attending this event, as it has helped me gain additional knowledge that is relevant to me as a trainee. It has also given me the chance to meet new people who also share my passion for teaching.

“I think the SET programme has been invaluable to me and very rewarding. Among other things, I can access a wealth of useful resources and have a helpful, friendly subject specialist mentor, who is always there for support if I ever need it.”

Twenty five year old Rachel Manoharan, who is working as a Mechanical Engineering Lecturer at Derby College said:

“The Programme has been very supportive for my role as a teacher, especially since I had not taught before. Being able to network with so many different people from the education sector has been very beneficial.

“We learn a lot from each other and it’s always nice to know that other teachers go through the same hurdles and difficulties that I face.”

“Behaviour” was the theme for Day One and included sessions on classroom behaviour. Day Two focused on “research” having sessions geared towards the use of LMI to inform curriculum planning and delivery, as well as support for STEM learner progression-including a “hands on” interactive session exploring STEM careers and progression routes. This session provided trainees and newly qualified teachers with raised awareness of the Gatsby Benchmarks, careers implementation plan and the requirement for CEIAG to be integrated into classroom/ workplace teaching and learning.During the second day, the SET trainees who have completed their course presented their own research to trainees on the two-year programme.

They also had the chance to gain knowledge from informative presentations and workshops from STEM Ambassadors to including Cerian Ayres, Head of Technical Education at the Education and Training Foundation. The event culminated with a special presentation ceremony, where the trainees were honoured and rewarded with certificates by Alison Morris, Director of Sector Development at the Education and Training Foundation.

Speaking at the upcoming celebratory event, Paul Eeles, Chief Executive of the Skills and Education Group, said:

“I was 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.”

The SET for Teaching Success programme funded through the Education and Training Foundation, has been specifically set up to pay for teaching qualifications for graduates, as well as employees with relevant industry experience and newly recruited non-teaching staff in SET areas.

Delivered nationally by the Skills and Education Group and Blackburn College, the course will fund:

• Teacher training course fees, achieving a minimum of a Diploma in Teaching (Level 5). These can be used to fund training for existing staff or new posts in SET subject areas

• A £5,000 grant per trainee to contribute towards costs incurred by the provider for supporting the trainees

• Continuing professional development for the candidates and their mentors, including Technical Knowledge and Skills Enhancement

• High quality STEM Insight Placements in industry or universities to ensure and maintain current technical knowledge and skills in SET. Together with raising trainee teacher awareness of innovative research and support for STEM learner progression, through careers education and widening participation activity.

• Residential and peer support network.

To find out more information about the SET for Teaching Success Programme, please email Jonathan Poxon, Head of Projects, or call 0115 854 1623.