Cosham's community came together to discover careers in education at the Teach Portsmouth Support and Teaching Assistant Jobs Fair on Wednesday 20 November 2024.
Over 70 people visited Cosham Community Centre between 10am and 2pm to learn about opportunities to help children and young people reach their potential.
Running across two identical sessions, those who attended watched presentations delivered by local experts, including Gemma Muscat, PA and office manager at New Horizons Primary Academy, and Mary McKenzie, deputy headteacher at The Flying Bull Academy.
Councillor Suzy Horton, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council said:
"Teach Portsmouth's mission to recruit and train more support staff is vital for ensuring our schools have the skilled professionals they need to help children and young people thrive.
"Events like this allow us to showcase the many rewarding opportunities available in education, and it's fantastic to see so many people in Cosham exploring these pathways."
Councillor Suzy Horton
A lively question and answer session followed with a panel made up of training and apprenticeship providers and school staff. Enquiries around qualification compatibility with UK equivalents were asked alongside progressing from a level two to level three course.
Afterwards, attendees had the chance to meet 11 exhibitors including schools, academies, training providers and employment specialists. Exhibitors promoted a variety of job and training opportunities including taster sessions.
Tasters sessions have become a great way for people to gain insight into a particular school and build their confidence up before they apply. Those who enrol on the programme have gone on to become teaching assistants, administrative staff and volunteers in schools.
Biscoes, a Portsmouth-based solicitors, provided information and advice for people who have moved to the city from abroad and are now seeking employment in the UK. Through free 10-minute consultations, those who signed up were able to ask a question and recieve personalised feedback.
For those who attended the event, Cllr Horton shared these words of encouragement: "Whether you're stepping into work for the first time, returning after a break, or seeking a career change, Portsmouth's schools need people like you—enthusiastic, committed, and ready to make a difference."
Get ready for Portsmouth's largest education recruitment fair
The Teach Portsmouth Jobs and Opportunities Fair returns to Portsmouth Guildhall on Wednesday 26 February 2025 from 10am - 2pm. Visit the events page for more information and to sign up to our newsletter to find out when tickets are released in the new year.