21/09/2011
O'Dowd Hits Back On Classroom Jobs
Fears over an apparent lack of job opportunities for newly qualified teachers have been in focus this week.
It has been claimed that as many as 95% of new teachers are unable to secure full time jobs.
That's according to a DUP MLA who underlined the claim when MLAs debated the concerns over the number of new teachers at Stormont.
The party's Jonathan Craig, who has proposed the motion, said that very few of those who qualified last year found full time employment.
Now, the NI Education Minister, John O'Dowd - who is this week to step up to the post of Deputy First Minister as well - has responded to the concerns over employment prospects.
Speaking after the debate on the issue in the Assembly on Tuesday, the Minister said: "I take very seriously the issue of employment prospects for newly qualified teachers and want to ensure that they are afforded every opportunity to obtain teaching positions.
"My Department has taken a number of steps in recent years to encourage Boards of Governors and employing authorities to employ newly qualified teachers where possible, including implementation of robust measures to disincentivise schools from offering substitute teaching opportunities to prematurely retired teachers.
"These steps have helped reduce the number of temporary days worked by prematurely retired teachers by over one third since 2008/09."
Recession
The Sinn Fein Minister however admitted: "Whilst I want to maximise the opportunities for newly qualified teachers here, it is important to remember that we are faced with economic challenges that are unprecedented in living memory.
"Every profession, not just teaching, is experiencing increased competition for jobs.
"Teachers, as highly trained professionals, possess skills and attributes that they can use in many jobs and I would therefore encourage them to be flexible in the choices they make as they enter the jobs market.
"As with many careers, the right vacancy may not arise immediately upon graduation, but the chances of employment as a teacher are far from poor in the longer term, with some 76% of teachers who graduated in 2006 now employed in a teaching post on either a permanent or significant temporary basis."
Concluding, Mr O'Dowd said: "Teaching is a hugely important profession that has a significant impact on our society, preparing our young people for the challenges that lie ahead."
In response to the DUP motion which called on the Assembly to note with concern the number of newly qualified teachers leaving full-time study without employment or with little prospect of it, he concluded: "It remains as popular as ever as a career choice and I am committed to ensuring that our local education institutions continue to produce the high quality teaching professionals that they have done for many years."
(BMcC/GK)
It has been claimed that as many as 95% of new teachers are unable to secure full time jobs.
That's according to a DUP MLA who underlined the claim when MLAs debated the concerns over the number of new teachers at Stormont.
The party's Jonathan Craig, who has proposed the motion, said that very few of those who qualified last year found full time employment.
Now, the NI Education Minister, John O'Dowd - who is this week to step up to the post of Deputy First Minister as well - has responded to the concerns over employment prospects.
Speaking after the debate on the issue in the Assembly on Tuesday, the Minister said: "I take very seriously the issue of employment prospects for newly qualified teachers and want to ensure that they are afforded every opportunity to obtain teaching positions.
"My Department has taken a number of steps in recent years to encourage Boards of Governors and employing authorities to employ newly qualified teachers where possible, including implementation of robust measures to disincentivise schools from offering substitute teaching opportunities to prematurely retired teachers.
"These steps have helped reduce the number of temporary days worked by prematurely retired teachers by over one third since 2008/09."
Recession
The Sinn Fein Minister however admitted: "Whilst I want to maximise the opportunities for newly qualified teachers here, it is important to remember that we are faced with economic challenges that are unprecedented in living memory.
"Every profession, not just teaching, is experiencing increased competition for jobs.
"Teachers, as highly trained professionals, possess skills and attributes that they can use in many jobs and I would therefore encourage them to be flexible in the choices they make as they enter the jobs market.
"As with many careers, the right vacancy may not arise immediately upon graduation, but the chances of employment as a teacher are far from poor in the longer term, with some 76% of teachers who graduated in 2006 now employed in a teaching post on either a permanent or significant temporary basis."
Concluding, Mr O'Dowd said: "Teaching is a hugely important profession that has a significant impact on our society, preparing our young people for the challenges that lie ahead."
In response to the DUP motion which called on the Assembly to note with concern the number of newly qualified teachers leaving full-time study without employment or with little prospect of it, he concluded: "It remains as popular as ever as a career choice and I am committed to ensuring that our local education institutions continue to produce the high quality teaching professionals that they have done for many years."
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 August 2021
Newly Qualified Teachers Not Registered To Work In NI Schools
As schools prepare to welcome back pupils, it has been reported that up to 500 newly qualified teachers are not yet registered with the General Teaching Council NI (GTCNI). All teachers must register with the GTCNI before they are allowed to work in a school in NI.
Newly Qualified Teachers Not Registered To Work In NI Schools
As schools prepare to welcome back pupils, it has been reported that up to 500 newly qualified teachers are not yet registered with the General Teaching Council NI (GTCNI). All teachers must register with the GTCNI before they are allowed to work in a school in NI.
14 November 2024
Minister Reacts To Teachers' Union Ballot Threat
Education Minister Paul Givan has responded to the announcement by several teachers' unions that they plan to ballot their members for industrial action over 2024/25 pay. Earlier this year, the Minister provided funding to successfully resolve the long-running industrial dispute over teachers' pay for 2021-24.
Minister Reacts To Teachers' Union Ballot Threat
Education Minister Paul Givan has responded to the announcement by several teachers' unions that they plan to ballot their members for industrial action over 2024/25 pay. Earlier this year, the Minister provided funding to successfully resolve the long-running industrial dispute over teachers' pay for 2021-24.
25 November 2024
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
29 June 2016
Scheme To Replace Older Teachers With Newly Qualified Staff To Begin
A controversial scheme which allows teachers aged over 55 to retire early and be replaced by newly qualified teachers is to begin, Education Minister Peter Weir has confirmed.
Scheme To Replace Older Teachers With Newly Qualified Staff To Begin
A controversial scheme which allows teachers aged over 55 to retire early and be replaced by newly qualified teachers is to begin, Education Minister Peter Weir has confirmed.
10 October 2012
OFMDFM Announces 230 Teaching Posts
230 new graduate teaching posts have been announced by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM). The posts, which will last two years, have been announced as a measure to help Northern Ireland pupils improve literacy and numeracy in Northern Ireland.
OFMDFM Announces 230 Teaching Posts
230 new graduate teaching posts have been announced by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM). The posts, which will last two years, have been announced as a measure to help Northern Ireland pupils improve literacy and numeracy in Northern Ireland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.