LOCAL TEACHER FROM TYTHERINGTON SCHOOL IN "GET INTO TEACHING" CAMPAIGN

New market research released today reveals how many people in the North West are looking to 2021 for the career plan shake-up they had envisaged at the turn of the new decade, before the Covid-19 pandemic struck.

• New survey reveals almost half in the North West don’t think 2020 lived up to their expectations in terms of their job or career, and more than two in five agree they’re looking to make new plans this year
• More than two thirds agree they would like to feel more rewarded in their job this year, whilst 64% want a role that helps others in the future
• More than half agree that, compared to their current work, teachers have a more rewarding role

New market research released today1 reveals how many people in the North West are looking to 2021 for the career plan shake-up they had envisaged at the turn of the new decade, before the Covid-19 pandemic struck.

Nearly three quarters (71%) of those surveyed in the North West agree that 2020, and all it brought, was the year that made them realise what is important to them. Many people find themselves in a ‘decade dilemma’ with one in three (33%) now looking to re-evaluate their job or career, and over four in 10 (42%) agreeing they are looking forward to making new career plans this year.

The national survey of over 2,400 people for Get into Teaching – the campaign aimed at encouraging people to consider teaching as a career – explores the public’s views on their career aspirations and plans for the future following a turbulent 2020.

January, traditionally a natural time for reflection, has prompted a moment for many to look back on 2020 to help shape their goals for the year ahead.

More than two fifths (42%) of those in the North West said they had started the new decade with long-term career plans, but of those more than three quarters (78%) said they had to adapt them in some way due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Over half (54%) don’t think 2020 lived up to their expectations in terms of their career. Looking ahead to the future, 64% say they want a career that helps others.

The events of 2020 have inspired many people in the North West to consider their current career path and seek out a role that makes a positive impact on the wider world. In fact, 53% agree they want to give something back to society, and more than two thirds (67%) would like to feel more rewarded at work.

When asked to think about their long-term career plans, almost two thirds (61%) of those in the North West said they’ve been inspired by the work of the nation’s key workers. Thinking about the efforts of teachers in particular, 58% agree they have a lot of admiration for their work last year, and 65% agree teachers should feel a huge sense of pride for the job they do in society more generally. Almost seven in 10 (69%) agree teachers do more to shape the next generation than they can in their job and over half (53%) agree teachers have a more rewarding role than they do.

Separate national data from the recent Initial Teacher Training (ITT) Census reveals that in England there has been a 23% increase in new entrants to ITT 2020/21 compared to 2019/202.

Post-graduate teacher training typically lasts one year, with new trainees starting courses each September, so applications are now open to train from this coming September.

Lissa Cook, a Modern Foreign Languages teacher at Tytherington School in Macclesfield, decided to switch into teaching two years ago after working as a journalist. Reflecting on her career and life change, Lissa said:

“Deciding to train as a teacher is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ll never regret the career I had before as it taught me a lot, and the life experience I gained has been invaluable to bring into the classroom. Of course making the jump can seem daunting at first, especially coming from a completely different career, but if you think about what you want out of life and what you want to give back, it’s all worth it.

“Shaping the lives of the next generation is a huge privilege, providing you with a sense of purpose that’s unrivalled and that’s been made even more poignant over the past year. I finish every day knowing I’ve made a difference to the lives of my students, from the lightbulb moments when a child understands a concept to helping Sixth Formers make their university choices.

“I would urge anyone thinking about a career move to considering teaching, it’s a role you can bring so much to and one that will reward you in equal measure.”