City leader hails education recruitment event a success

A recruitment event for Portsmouth’s education sector has been hailed a success by a city leader. More than 300 people attended the Teach Portsmouth Jobs and Opportunities Fair at Portsmouth Guildhall on Monday 26 February 2024.

The event brought together schools, colleges, and other organisations to showcase a range of vacancies under one roof.

Suzy Horton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council said:

“Working in the education sector is one of the most rewarding professions out there. However, it can sometimes be challenging to find the right information and take that first step.

“It was a real pleasure to spend time speaking with those who want to support children and young people in schools and colleges. That energy and enthusiasm will serve everyone well as they begin that journey towards a new career in the classroom.”

Alongside meeting 24 exhibitors, attendees were able to watch short presentations inside the Opportunities Room. Topics included: how to become a teaching assistant, apprenticeships, how to become a teacher and more.

HSDC, the main sponsor of the event, promoted classroom assistant vacancies and taster sessions at the college. Richard Barlow, deputy principal at HSDC said:

“We are really proud to sponsor this event and be among partners who share the same vision as us. To support those who haven’t worked in post-16 before, we ran a series of taster sessions, inviting people to learn more about us and the vacancies we have available. We’re thrilled with the response and look forward to meeting those who signed up.”

Taster sessions were launched last May and have been successful in recruiting teaching assistants and volunteers. Five organisations including multi-academy trusts and schools signed up to the scheme. Taster sessions normally last no more than a few hours. Each session is different but usually consist of a supervised tour and a meet and greet with support staff.

For those who were unable to attend, Teach Portsmouth have announced their next event, the Support and Teaching Assistant Jobs Fair at Central Library on Tuesday 23 April 2024 from 1.30pm – 6pm.

For more information and to get a ticket, visit the Teach Portsmouth website.