The findings are revealed in an ICM survey released today by the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA), which this week formally announced the first 48 organisations to back the Transition to Teaching scheme. Transition to Teaching aims to target skilled people in both the public and private sector and urge them to consider a career change to teaching.

The survey of HR professionals revealed that the perceived benefits of this new scheme could cover a range of HR responsibilities from recruitment to retention. Tackling skills shortages in new applicants is considered the primary business benefit for 58% of Human Resources (HR) professionals surveyed, as ‘career changers’ can motivate and inspire young adults to enter business sectors with current skills shortages. 

A further 52% think the scheme could be a useful tool when dealing with staffing changes and 50% believe the scheme could enhance their company’s reputation. 33% of HR professionals think the scheme could attract potential employees and 27% believe the scheme could improve staff relations.

First announced by the prime minister in March this year, Transition to Teaching is a radical new scheme that marries the interests of the business community with the recruitment needs of the teaching profession. The scheme encourages top performers from both the public and private sector, who are already considering a mid to late career change, to become teachers and share their skills in science, technology, engineering or maths.

Jonathan Ferrar, HR Director of IBM UK, commented:

“The TDA research shows that around a third of HR directors are already involved in schemes that assist staff with long-term career plans. Transition to Teaching is a welcome development of this model for businesses that have staff with skills in science, technology, engineering and maths. By getting on board now, companies will not only build their reputation among staff, customers and suppliers, but can also safeguard the quality of recruits in the future.”

Employers already signed up to Transition to Teaching include IBM, BT, Lockheed Martin, KPMG, Oracle UK, and the Ministry of Defence. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has also backed the introduction of the scheme.

David Wilson, a science teacher at Swavesey Village College in Cambridge and former industrial chemist added:

“It’s becoming more and more common for people to consider not only multiple jobs, but multiple careers - and this is no bad thing. The skills that you develop in one industry can actually enhance your ability in another. With teaching, having business experience has meant that I can talk about the real-life application of the subjects the kids are studying.  

“When I made the leap, I did it under my own steam, but I can definitely see the advantage of having employers on board. The link between the classroom and the boardroom is essential to making sure the kids of today are tomorrow’s business stars.”

The TDA’s Chief Executive, Graham Holley, said:

“Around a third of new teachers are already career changers, many of them coming from high-powered business jobs, who bring their own talents and experience to the classroom. I am delighted to see that employers are now also supporting a programme that helps turn the talents of business people to teaching the critically important subjects of maths, science and ICT.”

The TDA offers both information and support to HR professionals interested in their company joining the Transition to Teaching scheme. Call the Transition to Teaching helpline 0845 6026 880 or visit www.teach.gov.uk/transition to find out more.

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Notes to editors

• Research on the views of HR professionals was conducted by ICM. ICM interviewed a random sample of 101 HR professionals involved in CSR (corporate social responsibility) policies between 9 - 13 June 2008. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Further information is at www.icmresearch.co.uk
• The employers and organisations participating in the scheme include: Accenture, Airbus, Amazon, AstraZeneca, Atos Origin, Babcock International, BAe Systems, Balfour Beatty, British Airways, British American Tobacco, BT, Cable and Wireless, Cisco, Co-operative Financial Services, EDS, Finmeccanica UK, GlaxoSmithKline, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Intel Corporation, KPMG, Lockheed Martin, Marshall Aerospace, Merrill Lynch, National Grid, Oracle UK, Pearson, QinetiQ, Reed Elsevier, Rolls Royce, SERCO, Shell, Thales, Vodafone, VT, Wellcome Foundation, White Young and Green, BBC, Cabinet Office, Department for Children, Schools and Families, Department for Communities and Local Government, Department for International Development, Department for Work and Pensions, Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, Metropolitan Police , Ministry of Justice, MoD, UK Border Agency.
• The CBI has also given its full support to the Transition to Teaching scheme.
• Research on the views of HR professionals was conducted by ICM.  The organisation interviewed a random sample of 101 HR professionals who are involved in CSR (company social responsibility) policies between 9 - 13 June 2008. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Further information is at www.icmresearch.co.uk
• Transition to Teaching is run by the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) – the body responsible for teacher recruitment and training in English schools, which also provides support in managing schools today.
• The scheme is free to join and all promotional and information materials are funded by the TDA.
• The scheme is relevant for graduates who are interested in teaching maths, science or information and communications technology (ICT) in state secondary schools. Many will probably have a degree in the subject they want to teach, but others may have related degrees.
• From September 2008, qualified teachers start on a minimum salary of £20,627 a year (or £25,000 if you work in inner London).
• Schools have the flexibility to pay more in subjects that are difficult to recruit to (including maths, science or ICT) or for individuals with substantial life experience.
• An experienced classroom teacher can earn over £35,000 a year. Advanced skill teachers can earn over £50,000 a year whilst headteachers’ maximum earnings can rise to more than £100,000 in a large secondary school.