The agency's career exploration programme includes:

• for career-changers, access to a Regional Careers Adviser for impartial advice and guidance about teaching and local training opportunities,
  
• one-day visits to a participating local open school,
  
• three-day taster courses to find out first hand what teaching involves, and
  
• the teaching advocate programme - an opportunity to meet a teacher at a careers event, or talk to a teacher over the telephone.

Last year, 5,000 people considering teacher training used one of the TTA’s career exploration activities to help them decide if teaching was the right career for them.

The open schools programme began in 2000 and 569 schools currently participate.  In 2003, almost 2,000 people visited a school on this basis, 80 per cent of whom were career-changers.  The visits are particularly helpful for those who have not been in a school environment for some time. 

One hundred and twenty taster courses are provided each year. These three-day courses give an in-depth insight into teaching for those who are close to deciding whether to embark on a career in the profession.

Commenting on the activities, Mary Doherty, Director of Teacher Supply and Recruitment, said:

“Making the decision to train as a teacher is one which deserves thorough consideration.  Through one of our career exploration activities, people can ask questions, see what life in school is really like and gain a fuller understanding of the challenges and rewards of teaching so that they can make an informed decision. From this year, career-changers also have the opportunity to talk to a regional careers adviser to receive information and impartial advice about teaching as a career. ”

Referrals to the career exploration activities will be made via the teaching information line: 0845 6000 991.

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Notes to editors

This news release applies to England only.

Consultant regional careers advisers cover the following areas: East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, North East, London, Yorkshireand Humberside, North West, South West, East.  They are contracted to the TTA on a contract for services basis.

A newly qualified teacher (NQT) can expect to start on a salary of at least £18,558 (£22,059 in inner London). The pay scale for good, experienced classroom teachers who have 'crossed the threshold' rises to £29,385 outside London and £34,851 in inner London. Additional allowances may be paid to teachers considered to be excellent, and to those who take on management and other responsibilities. The pay scale for headteachers can rise to over £90,000 depending on size of school.

Eligible trainees on postgraduate initial teacher training courses in Englandare entitled to a tax-free training bursary worth £6,000. Tuition fees for “home” or European students are paid by the Government. NQTs with a PGCE in a priority subject (mathematics, science, modern languages, English or drama, design and technology, and information and communications technology) also may be eligible for a 'golden hello' payment worth £4,000 after successfully completing their induction period. Details are available on get into teaching

Applications for most postgraduate initial teacher training (ITT) courses are processed through the graduate teacher training registry (GTTR) and can be submitted online at the GTTR website. Applications for undergraduate teacher training courses can be made via the universities and colleges admissions Service (UCAS). Applications for primary teacher training beginning in September 2004 must be submitted by 15 December 2003 to ensure they are sent to applicants' preferred providers.

The teacher training agency was established under the Education Act 1994. Its purpose is to contribute to raising standards in schools in England by attracting able and committed people in teacher training and improving the quality of teacher training and induction.

The Secretary of State announced on 29 March 2004 that he is extending the TTA’s remit to include training for school support staff, and continuing professional development for teachers.

Media enquiries

TTA Press Office Tel: 020 7023 8080

Out of hours: 07771 934629

E-mail: pressoffice@teach-tta.gov.uk

General TTA enquiries:020 7925 3700

Prospective applicants to get into teaching or contact the Teaching Information Line, tel: 0845 600 0991; E-mail: teaching@ttainfo.co.uk.