Thinking of re-training...advice needed please!

[Coriander73]

After resigining from my full time sales & marketing job (due to flexible working not being agreed) I am seriously considering retraining into teaching. I speak fluent Spanish & have toyed with the idea of being a language classroom assistant rather than a teacher per se. I have no idea whether this would be the right job for me but given that I have 2 under three & the lack of decent part time jobs a/v (I have been looking since Jan) feel that this could be a good move for me - esp. as I need & want to carry on using my languages. Could anyone advise if they've been in the same position & / or where on earth would I need to start looking to get the information I need? How long would the whole process take etc etc? Thank you!

[Coriander73]

bump...

anyone??!

[ginandt]

Go to www.teach.gov.uk which will give you a lot of information on becoming a teaching assistant. If you're not entirely sure that it's for you contact your local schools and ask for a week or two of unpaid experience (preferably in your chosen subject). You'll basically be watching, but it will give you a pretty good idea if it's something you'd like to explore further. Many schools are happy to offer this, though you will have to get CRB (criminal records bureau) clearance first - though I think the school will help you with that. If you do it now you might be able to line something up for September. Good luck!

[manyhands]

I've just started a part time distance learning PGCE at Liverpool hope which suits me really well as I have one child who is three and another who is 18 months old. If you look at the GTTR website you can search for courses. It's worth getting the application in as early as possible the application cycle starts in mid September.

[Coriander73]

Thanks.. All seems rather dauting tbh but feel deep down that it could be a good career move given the ages of the DC....just a world away from what I was doing previously...quite scared but excited at the same time at the prospect of a new challenge

[syrup]

Hi I start my full time PGCE in Sept and I have 2 boys 3+5 I have been at uni since Jan doing a full time enhancement course which was fantastic and now I am really looking forward to this major career change.

[Coriander73]

what did you do beforehand if you don't mind me asking?

[syrup]

As long as you don't laugh... I was cabin crew for 15 years and then when I had my boys worked part time for a car rental company.