More than 60% of the working population expect to have two careers or more – with a quarter anticipating having more than four careers, according to new research carried out by ICM on behalf of the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA).

The report delves into the rise of ‘poly-careers’ showing the challenges employers face in attracting and retaining talent in today’s marketplace where people may jump from career to career taking skills and talent with them.

The report reveals that the credit crunch is failing to stem the fluid jobs market with employees citing jobs that ‘make a difference’ as important as financial incentives in determining their choice of career. In a list of socially-conscious careers, teaching topped the league table for those considering a move. The trend is also affecting expectations of businesses with almost a third believing that employers should provide schemes to assist staff in changing careers.

The news comes ahead of the formal announcement this week of the first 48 organisations to back the Government’s new Transition to Teaching scheme, which include IBM, KPMG and British Telecom. Announced by the prime minister in March this year, Transition to Teaching encourages top performers from target industries, who are already considering a mid to late career change, to become teachers and share their skills in science, technology, engineering or maths.

The scheme is expected to reap rewards for employers and staff alike, according to research among HR professionals. 58% believe it will tackle skills shortages, 52% expect the scheme will deal effectively with staffing changes and 50% believe the scheme could enhance their company’s reputation. A further 33% think the scheme will attract potential employees and 27% believe the scheme could improve staff relations.
 
The scheme has been championed by Larry Hirst, Chairman of IBM Europe, who introduced the scheme to IBM in the UK this year. He said: “An exceptional business will recognise key trends, observe how trends impact on productivity, and take action to ensure that risks are mitigated and benefits are maximised. 

“The change in the careers landscape is one such opportunity that businesses need to grasp and take action on, or risk missing out on the business benefits. Transition to Teaching aids employers by providing an outlet for staff ambitions that positively benefits their business by up-skilling the future workforce and enhancing their corporate image to staff, customers, suppliers and the wider public.”

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

“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 big 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 companies interested in joining the Transition to Teaching scheme. Call the Transition to Teaching helpline 0845 6026 880 or go to www.teach.gov.uk/transition to find out more.

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Media enquiries

Contact: Simon Goldsborough/Caroline Bird
Tel:  020 7815 3900
Mobile: 07973 272 915/07786 431 743
Email: simon.goldsborough@munroforster.com / caroline.bird@munroforster.com

General TDA enquiries

Contact: Katie Robinson
Tel: 020 7023 8020
Email: katie.robinson@tda.gov.uk

Notes to editors

• Media are invited to a photocall at 10:30am on Wednesday 2 July in Paternoster Square, London EC4M.
• 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 survey of staff was conducted by ICM Research. ICM interviewed a random sample of 2,452 adults aged 18+ working full or part time online between 6 - 8 June 2008. Surveys were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.  Further information at www.icmresearch.co.uk
• 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. Read more information 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.