Teach Portsmouth opens doors to new careers in education
Councillor Nicholas Dorrington, Cabinet Member for Children, Families, and Education, along with Mike Stoneman, deputy director, education at Portsmouth City Council, formally inaugurated the event, welcoming delegates through the grand bronze doors.
The atmosphere was charged with excitement as attendees engaged with representatives from schools, academies, training providers, and employment specialists.
This event is a key initiative of Teach Portsmouth, aimed at recruiting local professionals dedicated to educating children and young people in schools and colleges.
Recruitment fairs such as this provide a valuable platform for individuals to connect with potential employers, engage in informal discussions, and obtain the necessary information to advance their careers.
Councillor Nicholas Dorrington, Cabinet Member for Children, Families, and Education at Portsmouth City Council, said:
"Teach Portsmouth is on a mission to find Portsmouth's best and brightest people who can support our schools and academies. By organising high-profile events, we can attract those who are actively looking for work, who may want a career change, or are returning after time away.
"We work closely with employment partners, including Get Set Portsmouth and Job Centre Plus, who encourage their customers to attend, explore the various opportunities available, and take the first step towards a rewarding career in education."
Councillor Nicholas Dorrington
The drop-in event provided attendees with the opportunity to register for taster sessions with employers. These sessions enabled individuals to visit schools, meet staff members, and gain insights into available vacancies.
Additionally, apprenticeships were prominently featured, with providers offering comprehensive information and guidance on this training pathway.
Madison Morrison, a teaching assistant apprentice at Penbridge School, attended the Teach Portsmouth Jobs and Opportunities Fair in 2024. During the event, she spoke with representatives from the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, who were promoting vacancies across their organisation. Madison subsequently applied for the teaching assistant apprenticeship and was successfully accepted. Madison said:
"The most rewarding aspect of working in education is seeing students grow, achieve, and overcome challenges. It brings immense satisfaction to know that you are positively impacting young people's lives.
"My advice to someone considering a career in education is to build relationships not only with the students but also with colleagues and parents. Strong, positive connections create a foundation of trust, respect, and open communication, fostering a supportive and productive learning environment."
Madison Morrison
To help attendees navigate the sector, a variety of presentations were offered in the Opportunities Room. These informative sessions covered topics such as employability, becoming a teaching assistant, pathways into teaching, and working in specialist education.
At the end of each session, attendees had the chance to ask questions and were directed to relevant exhibitors and services at the recruitment event.
A visit to the jobs board provided attendees with a comprehensive overview of opportunities available at the event and beyond. Relevant school vacancies from the Portsmouth City Council website were also listed. The jobs board served as a final resource for those seeking employment, volunteering, and training opportunities.
Start something new today
For those who were unable to attend, Teach Portsmouth's next event, the Support and Teaching Assistant Jobs Fair, returns to Central Library (third floor) on Thursday 1 May 2025 from 10am -11:45am and 12pm - 2pm.
For more information and to register for a ticket, visit the event page today.
Callum Murphy