Uncertain of the career path they want to pursue, 58 per cent say they are yet to find their ideal graduate job and 23 per cent admit to experiencing a career crisis.

With travel now an accepted rite of passage for young people, a third (32 per cent) of graduates have put their career on hold to explore the world. And 16 per cent have reconsidered their plans on returning home.

Graham Holley, chief executive of the TDA, said:

“Many of these graduate ‘career finders’ have the qualifications and life skills we look for in a teacher. More than half want a job that offers intellectual challenge, competitive pay and career progression opportunities, while a third want to be able to use their creativity – all of which teaching provides.”

Having opted for a quick fix job or spent time travelling, many (25 per cent) are now worried they are being left behind by their contemporaries. And as with all vicious circles, the longer they leave it the harder they perceive it gets – 24 per cent said they felt that the longer they wait to find a permanent role the more unemployable they become.

But Graham Holley said:

“There is no expiry date for qualifications. And certainly none for talent. We encourage good ‘career finder’ graduates to explore a career in teaching. There are wonderfully rewarding jobs to be had, particularly for those with maths and science qualifications for which there is a particular demand. Those interested in finding out more about teaching should come along to the exciting Train to teach events we are holding in London, Manchester and Birmingham.”

Train to teach London is taking place on 2-3 February 2007 at The Royal Horticultural Halls (Lindley Hall), 80 Vincent Square, SW1P 2PE. Train to teach Manchester is on 9-10 February 2007 at The Museum of Science and Industry, Liverpool Road, Castlefield, M2 4FP, and Train to teach Birmingham is on 2-3 March 2007 at Birmingham Museum of Science and Discovery, Think Tank (at Millennium Point), Curzon Street, B4 7XG.

At least 24 teacher training providers – universities, colleges and schools – will be present at each Train to teach event, making them the largest free teaching careers fairs. Dedicated career consultants and teachers will be on hand to answer questions and give personal advice. There will also be a series of seminars on subjects such as the various training routes available, and how to make a good course application. 

For more information or to register attendance online, visit www.teach.gov.uk/tttevents.

Notes to editors

This news release applies to England only.

The research was carried out by PCP during December 2006 and January 2007 and is based on a sample of 1,110 graduates under the age of 30 years old.

For more information about how to become a teacher, visit www.teach.gov.uk.  Personal advice is available from the Teaching Information Line on 0845 6000 991 – 992 for Welsh speakers (minicom 01245 45 43 43).

From 1 September 2007 a newly qualified teacher (NQT) will start on a salary of at least £20,133 (£24,168 in inner London). The pay scale for good, experienced classroom teachers who have 'crossed the threshold' rises to £34,281 outside London and £41,004 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 head teachers can rise to over £90,000 depending on size of school. Further details are available at www.teach.gov.uk/payandbenefits.

Eligible trainees on postgraduate initial teacher training (ITT) courses in England are entitled to a tax-free training bursary worth £6-9,000. Newly qualified teachers with a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) in maths and science may also be eligible for a ‘golden hello’ payment worth £5,000 (taxed) after successfully completing their induction period. Those with a PGCE in modern languages, English or drama, design and technology, information and communications technology, music and religious education may receive £2,500. Details are available on the TDA website at www.teach.gov.uk/funding.
 
The graduate teacher programme (GTP) enables people to train to become a teacher while employed in a school. Details of employment based routes can be viewed at www.teach.gov.uk/routes.

Data collected by the TDA shows that close to 40,000 people are beginning teacher training in the academic year 2006/07.

The TDA was established under the Education Act 2005 and was formerly known as the Teacher Training Agency. Its principal aim is to secure an effective school workforce that improves children’s life chances.

Media enquiries

Lisa Pearson, Michael Sheen or Mel Garfield at Band & Brown Communications
Tel: 020 7419 6934/ 8616/ 7312
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E-mail: lisa.pearson@bbpr.com / michael@bbpr.com / mel@bbpr.com

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