The Department of Education has announced a pilot program to boost the number of industrial technology and design (ITD) teachers.
The pilot is targeting tradies who might want to become teachers in State schools.
Minister for Education, Grace Grace said the Trade to Teach Internship pilot program involved tradies getting financial support, an income, mentoring and classroom experience, and ultimately a permanent teaching position in a State secondary school.
She said $10 million had been allocated to the pilot program, which would support up to 30 tradies to become ITD teachers, thus bringing real-world industry experience to the classroom.
““We’re looking for tradies who want a career change, have a passion for their craft, and a desire to pass their knowledge onto the next generation,” Ms Grace said.
“There are two really important parts to this pilot — firstly, the demand for ITD teachers is rising and we want to meet that demand. It’s a tribute to our excellent existing ITD teachers that so many more students want to study these important subjects.”
“Secondly, Trade to Teach would help set up pathways to well-paid, skilled jobs, inspiring the next generation of trade and technical workers, crucial to the State’s future.”
Ms Grace said Assistant Minister for Education, Brittany Lauga would be chairing a Trade to Teach working group, which would include representatives from Government, unions, universities, industry, and the Queensland College of Teachers.
Tradespeople interested in finding out more about the pilot program can visit the Teach Queensland website at this PS News link.
