The Student Room Group

Life after pgce

Hi everyone..
I have an offer for pgce physics at Brighton.
Just want to know the probability that one gets a job after successfully completing the course and obtaining qts.

Reply 1

Hi @Solonazzy

I'll be starting my PGCE in September too! I understand that the job market can be uncertain, but I'm optimistic about my prospects. It's important to consider the type of teacher you're training to be; some are in high demand, while others may face more challenges in finding a suitable position.

I am training to be a primary school teacher, which isn't particularly in demand but it is still quite likely schools will be looking for ECTs (they're cheaper!)

It's crucial to be proactive in your job search. Don't limit yourself to traditional job sites like Indeed. Many employers now use social media platforms like LinkedIn to post job openings. If you don't have an account, I highly recommend creating one and following local schools and multi-academy trusts in your area for potential job opportunities.

Also, make a good and lasting impression on the schools you will be doing your placement with! You never know if they will offer you a job (if it's in the right area).

Good luck with your PGCE!!

Anastasia,
BCU Student Rep.

Reply 2

Original post by BCU Student Rep
Hi @Solonazzy
I'll be starting my PGCE in September too! I understand that the job market can be uncertain, but I'm optimistic about my prospects. It's important to consider the type of teacher you're training to be; some are in high demand, while others may face more challenges in finding a suitable position.
I am training to be a primary school teacher, which isn't particularly in demand but it is still quite likely schools will be looking for ECTs (they're cheaper!)
It's crucial to be proactive in your job search. Don't limit yourself to traditional job sites like Indeed. Many employers now use social media platforms like LinkedIn to post job openings. If you don't have an account, I highly recommend creating one and following local schools and multi-academy trusts in your area for potential job opportunities.
Also, make a good and lasting impression on the schools you will be doing your placement with! You never know if they will offer you a job (if it's in the right area).
Good luck with your PGCE!!
Anastasia,
BCU Student Rep.

ECT doesn't = cheaper

Yes, the starting salary for many ECTS is cheaper than that of a teacher who has been in the profession longer, but ECTs have a reduced timetable, meaning someone else has to fill their lesson time. They also HAVE to have time to attend CPD with their training provider. They require a mentor who also needs time off their timetable, meaning someone else has to cover that time. They need observations done by their mentor and co-ordinator; again, this needs to be factored into the timetable.

For in-demand subjects, such as physics, ECTs can enter the role a couple of rungs up the pay ladder if they wish to negotiate their salary - everyone I know who did physics during my PGCE went in at M2 or M3 or with a TLR leading a department.

To reply to the opening poster. It all depends on your area, but in general, there are usually plenty of physics or science jobs around as we're struggling to retain them, never mind recruiting them. Keep an eye out on the job sites...you can find them as early as September for the next year - one on my course got hers in the October we started training.

Enjoy 🙂

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