21st November 2019

Become a teacher for free with the Engage Teacher Training Programme

At Engage, we know there are many people in Ireland who want to get into teaching, but the cost of training and scarcity of quality courses across the country act as a barrier to entry for this rewarding and valuable profession. We’re working to remedy this, so that everyone who wants to teach, can. Our answer is the Engage Teacher Training programme – a two-year, completely free training course with the award of PGCE and QTS, which sees trainees work in a school throughout their placement, earning a full salary while they train.

It might sound too good to be true, but it isn’t. If you have a Bachelor’s Degree and a passion for teaching, you could be joining us as a trainee with our next cohort of students.

What does the Teacher Training Programme involve?

Those enrolling on the Teacher Training Programme will embark on a two-year course in England for the award of a Postgraduate Certificate of Education and Qualified Teacher Status, which are the requirements to qualify to teach in the UK. You can enrol on the programme at any time, and we have trainee induction events throughout the year.

While on the course, the trainees will work full-time in a school in England; in the first year as a member of support staff, and in the second year as an unqualified teacher. Trainees will earn a salary in Year One in line with a member of support staff at their school, and in Year Two will be paid in line with the national scales for unqualified teachers.

While working as a member of staff at the school, trainees on the course will also undertake a variety of digital and in-person learning modules, including the PGCE programme materials from our UK-based university provider.

The school that a trainee works in for the duration of the programme is decided via a collaborative approach between Engage, the school, and the trainee – taking into account the trainee’s skills and ambitions, preferred location, and the school’s requirements. While on the course, the trainees will benefit from one-to-one support and training from our in-house team of former senior school leaders, and a mentor provided by the school who assists in and provides feedback on the trainees’ day-to-day tasks.

FAQs

What are the qualification requirements?

• Bachelor’s Degree Honours or equivalent (UK NARIC will be required).
• If you would like to teach in Primary or Secondary: English and Maths – Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) – Grade C or above OR Leaving Certificate (Higher level) – Grade D or above
• In addition if you would like to teach Primary: Science – Junior Certificate (Ordinary Level) – Grade C or above OR Junior Certificate (Higher level) – Grade D or above

What are the benefits of taking this route into teaching?

• Get paid to do your PGCE
• Gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Train in a school you love and continue working there as a permanent employee once you have qualified
• Exclusive professional and personal benefits from working with Engage
• Free subject enhancement courses

What are the benefits of training in England?

• British Curriculum experience is viewed extremely favourably throughout the world and will strengthen any applications for jobs overseas in the future, particularly if you are interested in working in the UAE.
• Opportunity for permanent teaching positions much sooner than if you qualify in Ireland, and career progression within UK schools is very possible.
• The UK educational system and curriculum has more flexibility than in Ireland, offering more scope for development.
• Your experience is transferable back to Ireland. Your time in England will be counted towards incremental credit – meaning that you will move up the pay scale in Ireland.

What are the differences between the Engage route to PGCE and QTS, or training to teach in Ireland?

Unlike many The programme is a salaried, employment-based route for graduates. You will earn a salary while training towards the qualification.

What happens if I want to return to Ireland?

Once you have completed the course, you may decide to return to Ireland to continue your teaching career. In order to do this, you will need to apply to the Teaching Council for registration in Ireland after completing your NQT year. The Teaching Council assess all registrations on a case by case basis, and your UK experience and qualifications will be taken into account.

Once you’ve applied to the Teaching Council, you will be granted either ‘full’ or ‘conditional’ registration. If you’re granted a conditional registration, you will have 3 years from the date of registration to complete the conditions. Up-to-date information on conditions can be found here.

Primary Teachers may be required to complete an S.C.G (An Scrúdú le hAghaidh Cáilíochta sa Ghaeilge). Primary & Secondary may be required to complete a History & Structure exam.

Take the first step

When you fill out an application form to enrol on the Engage Teacher Training Programme, you’re taking your first step on your journey towards becoming a teacher. Exciting, isn’t it?

Still got questions? Download the Teacher Training Programme prospectus here, or email the teacher training team at pgce@engage-education.com.

See what opportunities are currently available to teach in London with Engage today!