Deciding to leave your current career and embark on a new one is a big decision – particularly when you factor in re-training in your chosen new field. This leap of faith has been made easier for those wanting to train as a teacher thanks to the Auckland Schools’ Teacher Trainee Programme (ASTTP). The ASTTP offers a brilliant solution for new graduates and career changers – onsite teacher training at a local high school with your university fees paid for and a $12,500 stipend paid to you while you train.

David Ferguson, Headmaster of Westlake Boys’ High School says, "This programme offers a pathway for people who have always considered teaching as a career possibility but weren’t sure how they could make the move. We're really interested in people who have worked in other jobs and are looking to change careers, as well as graduates from a wide range of disciplines”.

60 teacher trainees, aged from mid-20s to over 50, are taking part in the scheme this year, with 24 participating Auckland schools offering this programme. The ASTTP model gives teacher trainees the advantage of training on-the-job, alongside outstanding teachers and mentors, giving them first-hand experience of the full breadth of school life. While training, they complete their Graduate or Post Graduate teachers diploma course online through the University of Waikato. Our teacher trainees also have the opportunity of attending and participating in a dozen professional learning workshops at twelve different schools throughout Auckland.

In 2024, Birkenhead College is looking for interested candidates in the following learning areas - Hospitality; Construction; Social Sciences; and Te Reo Māori.

If you would like to find out more, visit www.schoolbasedtraining.org where there are several first-hand experiences from current and former teacher trainees, as well as videos and podcasts. Alternatively, contact [email protected] to arrange an appointment time to come in and discuss the programme.