Teacher training for oil and gas workers

Applications are now open for teacher education training places for oil and gas workers made redundant and looking to change career, with courses starting in September and a guaranteed job at the end of it, Deputy First Minister John Swinney announced today at a conference of headteachers in Aberdeen.

The Transition Training Fund (TTF) was set up to help oil and gas workers made redundant, or at risk of redundancy, move into other roles by offering grants to support retraining or further education.

It was announced earlier this year the TTF would support people to retrain as secondary teachers, particularly in the science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects.

The scheme will allow suitably qualified oil and gas workers to be employed by either Aberdeen or Aberdeenshire Councils while they undertake the initial teacher education.

Mr Swinney said:

“The North East has a highly skilled oil and gas workforce and we want to utilise these skills and offer those affected by job losses with a positive career path. By becoming a teacher, they can use their knowledge and expertise to inspire the next generation of young people in STEM subjects.

“We know that in some parts of the country, particularly the North East, schools are facing challenges recruiting teachers in certain subjects. That is exactly why we have made money available from the TTF to fund an innovative teacher training proposal. It will result in guaranteed employment for four years for up 20 people in the two local authorities.

“We have been working closely with the University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council to ensure those interested can start as quickly as possible. I am delighted that people applying now will be able to start their training in the autumn.”