A career changer who moved from the hospitality sector to education has shared her journey into the profession thanks to a Teach Portsmouth event.

Teach Portsmouth, a Portsmouth City Council service is set to host the city’s largest education recruitment fair on Wednesday 26 February 2025 from 10am – 2pm at Portsmouth Guildhall.

The Teach Portsmouth Jobs and Opportunities Fair invites people to meet schools, academies, colleges, training providers and employment specialists.

Arianna Marino attended the Teach Portsmouth Jobs and Opportunities Fair 2024 and met the Community Learning Service. The service supports individuals to learn new skills through training. Arianna said:

“The Community Learning Service has offered guidance on the steps I needed to take to transition into the education sector. I have completed several valuable training courses. Every course I’ve completed has not only enhanced my skills but also built my confidence.

“The event has given me access to resources, advice, and opportunities I would not have discovered otherwise. It helped me visualise a future in education and set realistic steps to becoming a teaching assistant.

“For anyone who is wanting to attend a Teach Portsmouth event, my advice would be simple: go for it! It is a fantastic opportunity to explore new career paths, meet supportive professionals, and gain clarity about your goals.”

Arianna has completed a range of courses including maths and English refreshers and supporting pupils in the classroom.

Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said:

“The Teach Portsmouth Jobs and Opportunities Fair welcomed over 300 people last year to discover careers in the classroom. The event connects the community with employers to explore career paths, gain valuable insights and match up with training providers.

“Recruitment fairs can act as an important first step if you are new to the profession or can reinforce aspirations you already have. The jobs fair is a one-stop shop for all things education, and I would recommend those interested to attend.”

For those who need to build confidence before applying for a job, people can sign up to a taster session at the event.

The scheme allows attendees to visit a participating school or college, meet staff and learn more about their employment opportunities.

Attendees can also visit the opportunities room throughout the day. The room offers a range of presentations from local experts providing advice on writing job applications, interview techniques, how to become a teaching assistant and teacher training routes.

Registration is now open for the Teach Portsmouth Jobs and Opportunities Fair. For more information and to get a ticket, visit www.teachportsmouth.co.uk/jobsfair.