City leaders hail education recruitment event a success
A recruitment event designed to showcase job and training opportunities within schools and colleges has been hailed a success by city leaders.
More than 200 people from across the city were welcomed through the doors of Portsmouth Guildhall on Monday 22 May for the Teach Portsmouth Jobs and Opportunities Fair. The event brought together schools, colleges, training providers and charities to showcase a range of support and site service vacancies.
Those who attended were able to watch short presentations and ask questions inside the Opportunities Room. Topics included: how to become a teaching assistant, apprenticeships in schools, flexible employment and more.
These sessions were designed for those seeking more information about working in a school or college. Suzy Horton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council said:
"Schools and colleges need the right professionals to support children and young people in and out of the classroom. When the right support is given, it enables them to focus on their education, increasing their aspirations and employment prospects in later life.
Suzy Horton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education
"The event was a good opportunity for people to learn about their options in a school or college by showcasing the breadth of opportunities available in Portsmouth, all under one roof. For those who came, I hope the fair acted as a source of inspiration and a springboard to a new career."
The Thinking Schools Academy Trust, the main sponsor of the event, promoted a range of opportunities, including support and central service vacancies at their schools and academies across the city. Natalie Sheppard, director of education at Thinking Schools Academy Trust said:
"It was fantastic to be among partners at the event that shared a vision on making Portsmouth a city where people want to live, learn and work. Working in a school is hugely rewarding, as you help to inspire the next generation to excel in their learning.
"I spoke with a number of attendees and learned about their interests and how we can assist them in finding employment. Over sixty individuals have signed up for our taster sessions at our academies in Portsmouth, and I am confident that these events will produce many more success stories."
Natalie Sheppard, director of education
We also launched a series of taster experiences with participating schools at the event after a successful trial recruited two people for local schools. Five multi-academy trusts and schools signed up to the scheme.
Taster sessions normally last no more than a few hours with each school supervising those who attend. The visit is restricted to meeting staff only with the opportunity to attend a short presentation about working at the school. There is no direct contact with pupils during the session.
Find out more about the event
If you attended the Teach Portsmouth Jobs and Opportunities Fair, we have now published contact information of exhibitors as well as presentation slides.
Callum Murphy