Press Releases

Building for the Future at Cambridge Regional College

Building for the Future at Cambridge Regional College

As the Government prepares to encourage professional scientists, mathematicians and IT specialists back to the classroom with its Transition to Teaching programme, Cambridge Regional College is appealing for experts in more vocational subjects to step forward and pass on their knowledge to future generations.

The college, which is a Centre of Vocational Excellence for Construction, desperately needs experienced builders and engineers in order to meet the soaring demand for courses in subjects such as Bricklaying and Carpentry.

This mismatch between supply and demand is already recognised as a national problem with more than 5 applications made for every single apprenticeship place. However it is set to increase even further in coming years as it is estimated that 1,500 building services engineers, plumbers and electricians need to be trained each year in order to meet demand for the 2012 Olympics .

To try and meet these needs, a drop-in event is planned for Tuesday 29 January to give anyone interested in teaching or assessing the chance to find out more. Organised by Protocol National, an organisation that places lecturers in a huge range of assignments in over 230 Further Education colleges across the country, it is designed to demonstrate the huge range of opportunities that exist in Further Education and show how easy it is to start work.

Regional Manager at Protocol National, Bharvi Patel, said, “Demand for these vocational courses is rising as students recognise both the financial benefits and personal satisfaction that can come with learning a trade. However we need lecturers and assessors to enable us to meet this demand.

“We’re urging people to consider part time lecturing or assessing as a valid career choice and help us fill our vacancies. There are many benefits to working in Further Education with flexible hours and extended holiday being just two. Because of this it’s ideal as it can fit around another job as well as family or other commitments.”

She added, “Anyone currently working in a vocational career has the knowledge and ability to teach part time in a Further Education college – many people don’t realise that you don’t need a background in teaching. The skills and knowledge gained on the job can be enough to get started, with teaching qualifications being obtained at a later stage.”

The drop-in event is taking place at Cambridge Regional College Science Park campus, Kings Hedges Road on Tuesday 29 January 2008 from 6:00-8:30pm.

For further information regarding Protocol National please access the website at www.protocol-national.co.uk.

For further information please contact Isabel Jones or Kate Downs at Eden PR on  0115 852 4717  or at isabel@edenpr.co.uk or kate@edenpr.co.uk.