Can't get a teaching job, go for TA instead?

[MissPrimaryCrafts]

Hi, I'm just finishing up my PGCE but struggling to get a job. I've had great feedback on all 3 of my placements and the staff I currently work with are surprised I haven't found a job. I really feel I'm good at it and I've found my calling.

However, I'm in an area with multiple training providers and there's been little movement due to COVID so there's just so much competition, I've been in the top 2/3 for 4 different jobs but haven't secured one. I'd like to be optimistic and think I'll get one, I've sent off 3 applications today, but I need to think about how I'll pay bills if I don't get one.

I'm wondering about whether to go for supply or a TA job? My current placement school is advertising for a TA3 who can cover classes for PPA time. It closes on the 28th. Do I apply so I can try to secure a job, or do I hold out and keep applying for teaching positions?

I know it's hard for you to judge really as you don't know me but I'm really torn and disheartened from job hunting, would be good to know what you would do in this situation.

No. Go for supply instead.

When do the 3 you have applied to close? It may be worth waiting for those, especially if you have been close with the others.

If you don't manage to secure a post, I'd go for supply. It will help you to build your experience and get your face known in different schools. Positions will come up outside of the 'standard' times e.g. maternity cover, long term sickness cover, and if you are known to a school, you are likely to be offered one. Things change constantly in schools and what starts as a temporary job could become permanent. Obviously, you can continue to look for permanent posts while doing supply.

It's tough but don't be too disheartened-many people start on supply.

Also, jobs do come up very late in the year, not loads, but it does happen. A friend of mine got her first job literally two days before schools closed for summer! A teacher had resigned, their replacement appointed but then couldn't take up the post.

I would agree with pumpkin and try to get a fixed term contract on supply. I know a few people who did this in areas where primary jobs were hard to find. I also know someone else who trained secondary who was one of the last to get a job because of the area they were living, but were one of the first to be promoted. Sometimes the job market can be fickle.

The NQT (ECT) jobs market is really tough this year - there is absolutely no shame in not having secured 'your' job yet. Your surprised colleagues presumably got their first jobs in a 'normal' year, when strong trainees were pretty well guaranteed a job before they finished their final placement. This year is not like that. There are still lots of good trainees chasing far too few vacancies.

Are you primary? Can you afford to hang on a bit? If so, I would say supply rather than a TA post for the moment. Supply gets you into a wide range of schools, you hone your skills, have more teaching for your applications, and most importantly you get 'seen' by HTs. I know lots of NQTs who got their first job from supply, by proving themselves to be a safe pair of hands and fitting in well at the schools they worked in.

You would have to hold your nerve, however. Even in primary, the first few weeks of September, or even the first month, tend to be very quiet for supply. Can you afford that wait financially?

Thanks @Scarby9 that is reassuring to hear. I am in primary, I think I will go for supply. I was thinking the TA role would be a more reliable income plus consistency in terms of workplace. However I think I can hang on financially for supply and it looks like it would be better experience and more likely to lead to a permanent teaching role. I just worry about inconsistent workload, where I'll be going each day, and varied income. But I'll try to make it work to secure a permanent job

What area of the country are you in? Could you broaden your search and travel a little further?

It sounds like a strange year as normally NQTs are snapped up because (to put it bluntly) they're cheap. Remember that if schools are in special measures, inadequate, etc they don't tend to hire NQTs so this might take out some opportunities.

Supply or HLTA jobs are a good idea.

I don't think your school would necessarily give you the TA job as they'll know you will still be looking for a teaching position and they might only have you for a few months.

Supply can be a good thing. Being happy in teaching is ALL about finding the right school for you, supply is one of the only ways to try before you buy.

Go supply if you can't get one. You tend to get to know the local schools well.and then are in a better position is a role comes up.