Education recruitment trends
A number of major factors have shaped the UK education recruitment market into the state it is currently in, not least the ongoing impact and legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic. Equally, demographic shifts and policy changes have also played a part and have created both challenges and opportunities for educators seeking employment and for schools that are looking to hire the best talent.
As we all know, the pandemic stretched teachers’ skills to the limit and forced a sudden change in approach that few education specialists were prepared for. Going from teaching in person and having the support of fellow teachers and wider school infrastructure into an environment where educators were working with faces on a screen on a remote basis is a challenge that we hope will never be replicated. However, despite the issues the pandemic created, it also enabled many teachers to broaden their skill sets and take on new competencies, which can only help their future employability. Now that period of our lives has, thankfully, passed, what other factors are influencing the education recruitment market?
Skills shortages
The major challenge faced within education recruitment is the ongoing issue of teacher shortages. A combination of factors including an ageing workforce, fewer people entering the industry, and issues with retaining staff, have led to a situation where educators are in significant demand, placing pressure on employers. There is no easy, immediate fix for this issue and, until more people consider pursuing teaching as a career option then the problem is likely to continue for some time. For schools, academies and trusts this makes hanging onto the talented staff currently at their disposal even more important than it was before – including supply staff. The lack of available skills is particularly acute in core subjects like Science, Maths and English, but in reality, can be felt across almost every area of education.
Teacher wellbeing
The challenges mentioned above have created an environment where teachers, like so many other professionals in different sectors, are facing the prospect of burnout. In fact, as outlined in one of our recent blogs teaching is potentially one of the most challenging mainstream jobs, with 93% of professionals reporting feeling stressed at least once per week, ranking it above numerous other professions including lawyers, ambulance drivers and senior managers. This certainly has contributed to the issues being experienced within education recruitment in recent years, as more professionals have left the industry in search of less challenging roles.
As a teacher, you will recognise that your skills have never been more in demand, however, each individual will have different preferences, and many may favour the type of lifestyle benefits that operating as a supply specialist can offer. Educators working in this way can balance their work around their life, not the other way around, and can gain from the variety and range of opportunities that it can bring. They get to experience a much wider spread of different types of schools and working cultures than a professional in full time, permanent employment would and therefore can expand their skill sets and, ultimately, become a better teacher. You can also work out what you enjoy most, and then select future opportunities accordingly. While it can be more challenging to have to keep your eyes out for your next potential role, this is where working with a dedicated supply agency can be beneficial.
Supply education recruitment
Here at The Supply Register, our vision, mission and values are embedded in everything that we do and we are focused on providing the very best opportunities for our wide network of specialist supply teachers. We can provide expert knowledge of education recruitment and the wider sector and understand the unique challenges and opportunities that it can present. We can also provide training to help boost your employability and can match your personality, skills and motivators with a suitable school, academy or trust. If you are considering a move to become a supply specialist, or if you are already working in this way and are seeking a new position that fits with your personal life, then get in touch with our expert team.
Or, if your school, academy or trust is seeking supply teachers to either provide specialist support or to cover gaps in your workforce on an urgent basis, then you can contact us and submit your vacancy directly here.
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