New Employment Academy aims to meet local demand for qualified Teaching Assistants
15 January 2025
The Derry Strabane Labour Market Partnership have launched a series of employment academies that aim to meet the high demand for qualified Teaching Assistants in the Council area.
The Teaching Assistant Employment Academy will be delivered by People First on behalf of the DSLMP and aims to create a larger pool of qualified TAs who can apply for permanent positions with the Education Authority.
Funded by the Department for Communities, Labour Market Partnerships create targeted employment action plans for council areas, allowing for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work.
LMP Manager for Derry and Strabane, Nicky Gilleece, explained that the academies will cater for existing teaching assistants who are under qualified and those who are new to the sector.
“Candidates will work towards achieving a Level 3 Diploma/Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning, a qualification that is mandatory for Teaching Assistants applying for permanent roles with the Education Authority,” she explained.
“We delivered this course last year with significant success and created permanent opportunities for prospective and existing TAs across the Council area.
“The first academy, which begins later this week and is fully subscribed, is for Teaching Assistants who are already working in a classroom setting but are unable to apply for permanent employment as they don’t have the necessary qualification.
“Two further academies, taking place at the end of January and start of February, are designed for those who are new to the Teaching Assistant sector, providing valuable working experiences along side a recognised Teaching Assistants qualification.”
Frankie Maguire from service provider People First added: "Our Upskilling Employment Academies are designed for those in entry-level roles who aspire to progress but lack the qualifications or experience for permanent, supervisory or management positions.
“It is a fantastic opportunity to progress your career."
A spokesperson for EA added: A spokesperson for EA added: “TAs play a key role in the classroom in supporting teachers and helping children with their educational needs.
"They are there to listen, support and assist children to learn as effectively as possible
“Many of the candidates from last year’s cohort are now employed full time with us across a range of schools and we look forward to more candidates getting the necessary qualifications through this programme to meet the need for TAs in the Derry and Strabane Council area.”
Past participant, Wendy Stewart said the course allowed her to change career and gain a full-time position in a short period of time.
“This is a fantastic course,” she said. “I worked in retail all my life and after a change in family circumstances, I'd decided I would like to change jobs.
“This was an amazing opportunity for me and I can honestly say I never imagined myself applying for a course and being in a new job in less than a year.
“It has built up my self-esteem and I've learnt so much, especially being over 50 and feeling courses like these are so out of reach for someone my age.”
For further information on applying for the courses contact Emma Quinn at [email protected].