Recruitment event goes virtual connecting Birmingham residents with local teachers and training providers.
People in Birmingham are being encouraged to join a virtual careers event to find out more about life as a teacher. The session, part of a national recruitment drive, aims to inspire more people in the region to join a unique profession that helps shape the lives of the next generation.
The free virtual Train to Teach event will take place on Thursday 11th March from 5pm to 7pm and will be supported by a local teacher Benjamin Collis from West Heath Primary School. At the event, Ben will be live on the platform to share his experience and insights, as well as helping others to explore teaching as a career.
The Train to Teach events are part of the national Get into Teaching campaign which provides a comprehensive programme of support to help graduates become teachers. Last year alone, thousands of aspiring teachers attended a series of face-to-face 
events. For this academic year and in light of ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, events are being hosted online so anyone curious or set on a career in teaching can still speak to current teachers from their area, as well as expert advisers who can help them with training options and next steps.
Reflecting on his career to date, Benjamin Collis a teacher at West Heath Primary School in Birmingham, said: “I’m proud to be supporting the campaign and I would encourage anyone who is just starting out in the world of work, or looking to switch jobs, to consider a career in teaching.
“Teaching is such a varied role, from the emotional rewards of making students feel like anything is possible to using your experience to bring lessons to life – no two days are the same. The best part of it for me is knowing that you are making a difference to every child and inspiring the next generation to be brave and succeed.
“I know the impact good teachers can have on a child, not just in terms of academic success but in teaching a child the importance of social skills, promoting resilience, self-worth and confidence.”
Roger Pope, spokesperson for the Get Into Teaching campaign and a National Leader of Education, said: “It’s a wonderful feeling knowing that every lesson is helping to shape the life of a young person.
“As well as the immense satisfaction of witnessing students learn and knowing you are influencing who or what they might become, teaching enables you to tap into your talents and passion for a particular subject. It also offers some competitive financial rewards and long-term prospects. Anyone who feels they have the passion and potential to teach should join us for this virtual event.”
To gain access to the online event, people will need to register at least two working days in advance. On the day, upon entering the virtual event platform, attendees will be greeted with welcome videos and introductory presentations to give them a flavour of teaching. They can also enter the live marketplace where there will be experienced teacher training advisors, current teachers and local teacher training providers who can answer any questions.
You could receive a £24,000 tax-free bursary to train as a teacher, in selected subjects, and newly qualified teachers start on a minimum starting salary of £25,000 to £32,000, depending on location.
Applications for teacher training, starting in September 2021, are now open. To find our more and see the range of virtual events being held this term, visit getintoteaching, or call the Get Into Teaching Line on 0800 389 2500.
