Thank you for attending the
Teach Portsmouth
Support and Teaching Assistant
Jobs Fair
Over 100 people attended Portsmouth Central Library on Tuesday 23 April to discover support and teaching assistant jobs in primary, secondary and specialist schools across the city.
Presentations were held to provide information on careers and training opportunities in education. Attendees could also ask questions as part of a panel Q&A with local professionals.
Afterwards, attendees could speak with schools, colleges and other organisations directly to learn about jobs and taster sessions.
Speak to schools and other organisations promoting vacancies
Watch short presentations on becoming a teaching assistant
Sign up to taster sessions to build confidence before applying
View vacancies and opportunities on the jobs board
Meet the exhibitors
Discover: + Jobs
Ark Schools is a leading education charity and one of the country’s top-performing academy operators. Ark exists to make sure that all children, regardless of their background, have access to a great education and real choices in life.
Discover: + Training
At the City of Portsmouth College, they are shaping the city's future by unlocking the potential of their learners.
They believe every student should be able to achieve their aspiration, whatever their background or abilities. The college offer a broad range of courses across four campuses, from the highest quality academic teaching to the latest vocational and technical training.
Discover: + Training + Information and advice + Taster sessions
HSDC is a college with three campuses at Alton and Havant and South Downs (Waterlooville).
Their aim is to be the first-choice further education college for students, staff and employers in Hampshire. They have a host of committed staff who are helping to make this happen through living their values of kindness, respect, inclusion and success.
HSDC offers an open and supportive culture, nurturing and harnessing the talents and ideas of both their staff and students.
Discover: + Jobs + Volunteering + Information and advice + Volunteering + Taster sessions
Solent Academies Trust is a multi-academy trust working collectively for the benefit of their community and those they support to reduce disadvantage for vulnerable learners.
They are currently comprised of five special schools, three of which are in Portsmouth. Founded by Mary Rose Academy, which now celebrates its fourth outstanding Ofsted rating, their trust has over 17 years' experience in transforming lives of children and families through high quality specialist education for pupils aged 2 - 19.
Discover: + Jobs + Volunteering + Apprenticeships + Taster sessions
The Thinking Schools Academy Trust is made up of 26 schools across Kent, Portsmouth, Essex and the southwest. While each school embarks on its own individual journey, they all share a vision of “transforming life chances” for every child and young person educated by their trust.
The team will be promoting a variety of jobs in primary and secondary schools from across the city of Portsmouth.
Discover: + Jobs + Apprenticeships +Taster sessions
The University of Chichester Academy Trust was formed in 2012 and currently have nine schools in Portsmouth. Their mission is to create a vibrant inclusive and aspirational family of academies, transforming life chances for pupils through excellent teaching and learning.
They will be promoting a range of non-teaching vacancies and professional service roles.
Discover: + Training + Apprenticeships + Information and advice
Join the Community Learning Service where you can grow your potential and broaden your horizons.
The Learning Place offer a variety of free workshops and courses that can help improve health and wellbeing, confidence and digital skills.
You can also gain qualifications in maths and English, alongside other accredited courses that will support progression into employment in schools. All designed to help you take that next step in your career.
Discover: + Jobs + Information and advice +Training + Apprenticeship + Volunteering + Taster sessions
The Play and Youth service at Portsmouth City Council provides six staffed adventure playgrounds and four youth clubs, providing safe and informal educational environments, where children and young people are supported with their mental health and wellbeing.
Their adventure playgrounds are exciting spaces encouraging exploration and ‘freely chosen play’ supported by experienced playworkers.
Youth work offers young people safe spaces to explore their identity, experience decision-making and increase their confidence. This leads to better informed choices, changes in activity and improved outcomes for young people.
Discover: + Jobs + Information and advice
Want free and impartial advice on careers?
The National Careers Service provides high quality, free and impartial information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work.
They can carry out skills assessments to match you with the perfect career whilst also exploring different career options.
They can talk about courses and apprenticeships, enabling you to earn while you learn.
Meet Rebecca
Rebecca, a teaching assistant at Mayfield School, works on a one-to-one basis with a pupil in year four. She attended a Teach Portsmouth event last year and was successful in getting a job.
During university, Rebecca worked part-time in HMV, while studying for a degree. After graduating, she decided to become a store manager with the company, where she worked for 12 years. Rebecca said:
"I really loved my time at HMV as a store manager. It was a career that spanned over a decade. When a change in circumstances meant I had to leave, I wanted to find a job that worked for me.
"I attended a Teach Portsmouth event where I met a range of schools who had different opportunities on offer. When I spoke to Mayfield School at the event, I knew the job was for me. I have now been at the school since September and love it!"
Meet Helen
Helen Wortsmann signed up to attend a Teach Portsmouth taster session. She has now started a teaching assistant apprenticeship with Thinking Schools Academy Trust.
Before starting the apprenticeship, she volunteered as a parent reader at Moorings Way Infant School. She attended an information event last year where she began her journey into the profession. Helen said:
"I was looking for a new job that fit my family life, as my son had just started school. When I attended the event, I spoke to The Learning Place and enrolled on their free courses that are designed to boost your CV. When an apprenticeship became available, I applied straight away."