Bankers turn to teaching
Victims of the economic downturn are apparently finding new homes in the classroom.
Teacher training organisations are reporting a rise in enquires of almost 45 per cent as layoffs continue to be made in the banking sector.
The Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) is hoping to capitalise on the "unprecedented surge" with presentations in the City and Canary Wharf this month.
The event will allow interested city folk the chance to talk to those that have already switched careers, such as Kevin Watson, who turned to science after he was made redundant from Bear Stearns in 2003.
Kevin - who is now a physics teacher at Watford Grammar School for Boys - said: "Anyone with a banking background is gold dust to the teaching profession. They are well-educated, have good people skills and usually have excellent ICT and maths skills that are in short supply.
"The money I made in corporate finance was great but I was leaving the house very early and getting back late, so I never saw my young children. I now spend more time with my family, get to do a job I enjoy immensely and teach a subject I love."
The last year has also seen the proportion of over-25s signing up for initial teacher training rise from 41.6 per cent to 46.7 per cent. In London alone, registrations to the TDA's Teacher Information Line from people eligible to teach maths and science has climbed eight per cent.
Teacher training consultants will be on hand at the Marriott West India Quay from 1pm to 7.30pm on Wednesday (January 28) to give out advice to would-be educators. This follows a seminar yesterday (Wednesday January 21) at the Andaz Hotel in Liverpool Street.
For more information, go to www.teach.gov.uk/talent
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