Teach Portsmouth updates supporting page to better reflect local opportunities
Over the last 12 months, Portsmouth's community has come together to find out about becoming a teaching assistant. Teach Portsmouth's teaching assistant information events and taster sessions are helping schools and colleges find the professionals they need to support children, young people and families.
To better reflect the range of opportunities on offer, we've updated the website to help people navigate their options when it comes to working in a school.
Get back to basics
However, to help structure your job application, it is recommended to have updated your CV. This useful exercise often helps people organise their work history and experience, providing clarity when answering questions.
To help you decide what steps you need to take, the supporting page now includes a handy guide of things to consider when applying for a job in a school.
Explore training and qualifications
We work closely with the City of Portsmouth College and HSDC who offer level two and level three qualifications. These qualifications are designed to provide the knowledge and expertise you need to assist pupils in the classroom.
The Learning Place, a Portsmouth City Council service, can also help people gain their GCSE qualifications in English and maths. Some schools require these qualifications when you apply for a job. However, some employers will allow you to work towards these during your employment.
The supporting page includes information on these courses and the features of each course, from each provider.
Consider an apprenticeship
Apprenticeships have become a popular choice for those wanting to earn while they learn. Multi-academy trusts (organisations who run different schools across the city) offer this option for people to gain experience and a formal qualification at the same time.
Teaching assistant apprenticeships are a great choice for those wanting to build vital expertise and get paid. A link to the government's apprenticeship website is now available where you can search by postcode and type. You must sign up for an account to view apprenticeships on the website.
Meet our support superstars
For a dose of inspiration, meet our support superstars who work in local schools. Helen, Debbie and Julie have worked in the city for many years and have shared their experiences of supporting children and young people.
Helen attended a Teach Portsmouth event and sign up to a taster session. She is now a teaching assistant apprentice. Debbie and Julie have worked in the city for over 40 years and have been recognised for their long service to education.
All three have shared their experiences in the hope of inspiring others to join the profession. You can read their stories on the supporting page.
Start something new today!
If you've wanted to become a support superstar in a school or college, we've updated the supporting page on the Teach Portsmouth website to include advice on training and employment. The page is also the best place to find information on upcoming events.
Callum Murphy 