An increasing number of undergraduate students at the University of Leeds, School of Education were struggling to find suitable work placements following the pandemic. The future availability of work placements was heavily impacted due to teacher shortages and school closures, forcing staff to work remotely. Students studying Bachelor Programmes in either Education Studies, Childhood Studies or a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with Education were required to find work placements to help supplement their qualification criteria.
For the work placements, students are expected to work between 24 and 70 hours in a classroom setting, which could be a mix of assistant work and teaching. The placement hours can be spread over the duration of the course, which is often the equivalent of working one day per week.
The University of Leeds, who work in partnership with Career Teachers, raised the challenge their students were facing during a regular catch-up call with their Account Manager. The Career Teachers team were more than happy to help.
Over an 18-month period a dedicated Career Teachers consultant worked closely with university staff and students to find them suitable work placements. As a result, Career Teachers is now their independent placement provider across a range of educational courses. They continue to place approximately 30 to 40 students in work placements, every six months.
Here’s what one of the students said about their placement:
“I enjoy the variety of work that Career Teachers offers, I have been able to work in multiple schools which gives me an insight into how strategies vary and broadens my exposure to different pupil ages and abilities. The flexibility of work has been majorly beneficial in providing manageable work to assist my studies. I can work less during stressful exams, allowing me to put all my focus and energy into getting good grades”
Career Teachers manage the whole recruitment process on behalf of the university dealing with all aspects of interviewing, placement and payroll including the important on-boarding stage for a smooth placement experience for the schools hosting the teaching students and the students themselves.
In addition, Career Teachers now support students during career week at the university, where they run face-to-face workshops providing career guidance with an emphasis on interview techniques.
To find out how Career Teachers can help with your staffing needs, fill out the form below and one of our consultants will be in touch to discuss your requirements.
