Thinking about working in a school but not sure where to start? The Teach Portsmouth Support and Teaching Assistant Jobs Fair returns on Wednesday 20 November 2024 from 10am - 2pm at Cosham Community Centre.

Many people who attend these events leave feeling excited and ready to take the next step by signing up to a taster session with a school who exhibits at the event. 

After attending a session, they could go on to apply for a job, become a volunteer or start an apprenticeship. These sessions are also a great way to build confidence and get a feel for working in a school is really like.

We spoke with Gemma Muscat from New Horizons Primary School, part of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust in Portsmouth, to get the lowdown on how their taster sessions work and what kind of impact they've had.

How did you set up your taster sessions?

"We just wanted to give people a proper feel for the job," says Gemma. "It's really important for them to see what a teaching assistant does day-to-day, meet the team, and ask any questions they might have."

What can people expect during a taster session?

Gemma explains, "We offer a tour of the school and introduce attendees to what a teaching assistant does. They can also learn about different pathways into the role and get to know the staff who are already doing the job."

What's the feedback been like from those who attended?

"Really positive!" says Gemma. "People found it super helpful to hear directly from teaching assistants—what they like about the job, and the challenges too. It gave them a clear idea of what to expect."

Have the taster sessions made a difference for your school?

"Definitely. We've had lots of people apply to volunteer, which is great because school experience is so important," Gemma shares. "We've also seen applications for teaching assistant positions and apprenticeships, both at our school and others in our trust."

What would you say to anyone thinking about attending a taster session?

Gemma's advice is simple: "Just go for it! It's the best way to find out more and ask all your questions in a no-pressure environment. You'll get to see if it's the right fit for you."

Attend Teach Portsmouth's Support and Teaching Assistant Jobs Fair

Taster sessions build confidence and experience before you apply for a job. Take that next step and attend Teach Portsmouth's Support and Teaching Assistant Jobs Fair on Wednesday 20 November 2024 from 10am - 2pm at Cosham Community Centre.