Apprentices Help Tackle Maths Teacher Shortage Through New Degree Route
By Education Correspondent
A new Teacher Degree Apprenticeship (TDA) in Secondary Mathematics is helping tackle the national shortage of maths teachers by offering a paid, debt-free route into the profession.
Students at the University of Staffordshire are among the first in the country to take part.
The programme lets trainees earn a salary in schools while studying for a degree and gaining qualified teacher status (QTS).
Kyle Brotherton-Chidlaw, a TDA apprentice, said:
“This was the only way I was ever going to become a teacher. It’s tailor-made for people like me who can’t afford to stop earning while they study.”
The University of Staffordshire has partnered with employers for over a decade to deliver higher and degree apprenticeships and is one of six providers piloting this Department for Education initiative. Of the 54 apprentices nationally, 14 are studying at Staffordshire.
Course Director Kate Dale explained:
“Apprenticeships are well established in areas like nursing and policing, but not in teaching. Recruiting and retaining maths teachers is a challenge for many schools, so we have worked collaboratively with our partners to design this alternative route into the profession.”
The programme runs over four years, with most time spent teaching in schools and 40% dedicated to off-the-job learning.
For many, the paid, hands-on approach makes teaching possible for the first time.
Apprentices like Kimberley Winfer appreciate the practical learning:
“I struggle with exams and exam pressure, so the idea of going to uni was quite daunting. The apprenticeship suits me because I learn best through hands-on experience. The fact that you don’t have any student debt also really appealed to me.”
Caroline Gilbert, who previously worked as a learning support assistant, added:
“Compared with the traditional PGCE route, the apprenticeship builds you up over the four years in a supportive way. It’s a really secure way into teaching, especially for those haven’t worked in a school before.”
The University of Staffordshire currently works with 13 schools to deliver the programme and is seeking more partners. Schools that employ apprentices receive financial incentives.
To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, the University is hosting a free online webinar which will take place on Thursday 12 February, 3.35–4.45pm, covering teaching apprenticeships including the TDA in Secondary Mathematics.
