1:44pm Tuesday 22nd September 2009
By Alex Cameron
STUDENTS across Somerset are being offered the chance to earn up to £200 per week and get a taste of life as a teacher next summer.
Placements are available thanks to a recruitment initiative being run by the Children and Young People’s Directorate at Somerset County Council.
Up to 100 placements will be on offer in Somerset schools, children’s centres and within the children and young people’s workforce team - where students would get an insight into the authority’s broader role supporting children - for those in higher education this year.
The three week placements, paid at £40 per day, tax free, are aimed at students who are not already on a course leading to teaching, but who might be interested in a career in teaching or the children’s workforce.
Interviews for placements will take place in late March, during the Easter vacation, and the placements themselves will be from June 24 to July 14, 2010.
They will follow a three-day intensive induction and training course. Participants will have a work-based mentor and will share the life of the school, nursery or children’s centre alongside experienced teachers and other practitioners, getting involved in the real day-to-day work and learning new skills.
Part of the students’ role will be to help raise attainment and aspirations for other young people who may not have considered a university career.
Over 60 students took part in the scheme last year. Feedback was very positive and some have already signed up for teacher training courses.
The project in Somerset is run by the Integrated Workforce Development Team. As one aim of the scheme is to increase teacher-numbers in shortage subjects, priority for secondary school placements are likely to be given to students with A-level qualifications in maths and sciences.
Recruitment to the scheme is underway now – call Ros Moreton on 01823-410100.
Last year’s scheme was over-subscribed and an early contact is recommended.
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