Banff and Buchan College and the University of Aberdeen join forces to tackle teacher shortage
Banff and Buchan College, in partnership with the University of Aberdeen, has developed a new teaching course in a bid to tackle the shortage of technology teachers in Scotland.
The BSc Technology with Education qualification gives technical students the skills they require to teach technology and related subjects in secondary schools.
The new course can be accessed by completing a two-year HND in Mechatronics, which can be studied at Banff and Buchan College. The final part of the qualification is undertaken at the University of Aberdeen and involves a further two years of study.
Successful students will gain the degree of BSc Technology with Education, which is recognised in Scotland and in most parts of the world. The qualification readies students for teaching at secondary school level by focusing on the main elements of engineering and combining this education with teaching experience.
Under the Scottish Executive Education Department's Teacher Induction Scheme, all students who are eligible for SAAS support and have graduated successfully from the course are automatically guaranteed a year long paid placement in a Scottish secondary school, with a salary of over £19,000.
Jim Reilly, Sector Manager from Banff and Buchan College, said: "I am delighted that the College has been involved in the development of this new route to technology teaching.
"It is further evidence of the quality of our provision and it is an excellent opportunity for both adult learners and school leavers to pursue a career which offers challenges and rewards on a daily basis."
Robert Sinclair, Principal of Banff and Buchan College, commented: "We first became aware of a shortage of technology teachers when we were approached by several head-teachers of local secondary schools who were asking us to increase the volume of technology related education which we deliver on their behalf.
"As we are currently capped in the volume of activity that we can offer, we felt that tackling the shortage of technology teachers would be the best approach.
"Working in close partnership with the University of Aberdeen, we have now developed a qualification, and route into teaching which should appeal to anyone who is considering a move out of the energy industries, farming or fishing and who has a good set of practical skills. Individuals such as these can make a significant contribution and the course provides them with the underpinning knowledge and qualification to follow a worthwhile career in teaching.
"This development is another example of further and higher education institutions working in partnership to resolve a skills shortage in the local economy. We would be delighted to hear from individuals who, for whatever reason, are considering a career change and think this programme would suit their needs."
Cathy Macaslan, Head of the School of Education at the University of Aberdeen, said: "This represents another 'first' for the University of Aberdeen in new approaches to teacher education.
"The collaborative work with Banff and Buchan College serves as a model for other innovative developments which will see Further Education Colleges and the University of Aberdeen working together to meet the needs of the North and North-East.
"We are particularly keen to use the wealth of talent and experience in the local area and to find new solutions to particular teacher shortages."