Plymouth STEM Strategy Focuses on Teaching with £5m Boost from Central Government

City College Plymouth is one of 37 further education colleges to receive part of the Government funding to help recruit and train new expert teachers from industry.

The £5million ‘Taking Teaching Further’ programme has been set up to help recruit the best and brightest candidates from industry into the post-16 and further education workforce, and support an ongoing exchange between industry and further education.

Apprenticeships and Skills Minister, Anne Milton, said:

“Attracting talented people to teach in further education has never been more important. I’m thrilled that we have a chance to bring industry to colleges and it will be exciting to see the differences they can make to their colleges and the students they teach. Further education changes lives, and our inspiring teachers are a huge part of that.”

Stuart Elford, Chief Executive Officer of the Devon Chamber of Commerce says the UK economy is crying out for technically trained workers, particularly those with knowledge of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects.

“Here in the South West, the skills gap is also beginning to bite. To ensure that the South West remains a hub of industry, it is vital that the expertise and knowledge held by current industry experts is shared with the next generation of workers.

“City College Plymouth is well-placed to encourage and support experienced industry professionals into further education teaching, ensuring an ongoing exchange between further education and industry.”

The College will use the funding to support three career-changers to progress from an industry workplace role into teaching. The recruits will join the College in January 2019 and undergo 12 months of initial training, which will include a mixture of theory and practical learning based in the classroom. On successfully completing year two of the programme, they will become a Newly Qualified Teacher.

Emma Lloyd-Beswetherick, Head of HR at the College, said:

“It is fantastic news that we have received the funding to support us in recruiting those currently working in the ‘real world’. Those joining us from industry can look forward to gaining a teaching qualification, receiving a competitive salary, great pension and generous holidays!”