Discovering Higher and Degree Apprenticeships with UWE Bristol, get free advice >>

Primary Teaching Degree! I'm worried about job prospects! Advice please?

Hi,

I am considering taking a primary education degree with science specialism at uni however after hearing and reading all the stories in the news from previous years about there being 'too many teachers' etc etc I am put off by it. My question is ...

1) Is the job prospects for primary teachers still as dire as it is?

2) Are you? or do you know anyone who is currently a trainee teacher or NQT in this same situation or feels the same way?

P.S I have done plenty of work experience in this field so i have an insight as to what the job involves, its the job outlook thats my main worry!
Thanks!

Reply 1

i'mlaura

My Mum works in a primary school and she says that it is really competitive because of the high quality of teachers coming out of University. Though the newly qualified ones have an advantage over people who have been teachers for longer as there technique is a lot better. If it's something you really want to do, work hard and make yourself stand out. Maybe do some voluntary work with children or something like that whilst at University.

Reply 2

RWoodington

Thankyou! I know a few teachers who have said it has taken them years to get a permanent position and some who have given up on it or who are still NQTs. I was advised by one teacher (which is what i think i might do) to study the subject im interested in (science) and then later down the line carry it through to PGCE as a career changer.

Reply 3

TraineeLynsey

I'm qualifying in a few weeks and most of this year's trainees who I know have found a job now if they're looking for one.

Some people choose to do supply for a year before seeking a permanent role and others just fancy a year out.

I've actually heard there could be a shortage of teachers this September as not all training places were filled as a lot of people weren't keen to try school direct in the first year.

Reply 4

RWoodington

Oh really. May I ask what degree/qualifications did you do at what uni?

Reply 5

TraineeLynsey

I've done school direct with a PGCE but the people I know who've got jobs for September include B Eds, and traditional PGCE students too.

My undergrad was art history at Nottingham.

Reply 6

FrostyLemon

I'm on the PGCE, I've got a job lined up for September despite only applying to one school in May, months after the suggested application period. I am getting emails constantly from schools about jobs. There are lots of them out there because so many people leave. Plus they love employing cheap starry-eyed naive trainees. No worries then!

(edited 9 years ago)

Reply 7

RWoodington

Oh wow that certainly is quick! I think im going to do a PGCE after (if i decide to) my degree in science so it gives me open doors if i change my mind . Where abouts did you study your PGCE? I think (well from what i have heard and read) it is also dependent on where you live. For example, I'm from Bristol but from what i have heard, yes there are jobs going but they are highly competitive.

Another example/situation i have heard of is supply teaching that although it is alright for a short while people have found it hard to break the cycle to find permanent roles (from what ive read and heard not my opinion).

Primary Teaching Degree! I'm worried about job prospects! Advice please?

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Latest

Trending

Trending

Articles for you