PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS TARGETTED FOR CAREER CHANGE

The State Government is providing support for Queensland state school primary school teachers looking to change careers.

Education and Training Minister, Rod Welford, said the Government was providing retraining grants under the successful Career Change Program.

“We are aware there are some primary teachers who would like to leave the profession and do something different,” Mr Welford said.

“This program recognises the service provided to Queensland by these teachers and supports their goal of moving to a new career.

“It’s a positive for the teachers seeking change – and for the new primary-trained graduates waiting in the wings for an opportunity in our schools.

“But there is a timeline and we would like primary teachers seeking a career change to advise us within the next two weeks – before 25 May.”

Since the Government first offered the Career Change Program in 2002, approximately 1200 teachers have been assisted to leave the profession and pursue new career opportunities through further study or in business.

Under the voluntary program, eligible teachers can apply for a grant of up to $50,000 to help them make the transition to another career.

Mr Welford said the current round would give some 500 primary state school teachers the opportunity to exercise other career options.

“The program is entirely self-funding and will cost the taxpayer nothing,” he said.

“It is funded through the savings made from the salary difference between senior teachers and new graduates.”

Applicants must be committed to entering a new career and must undertake not to seek further employment with Education Queensland as a teacher, or in a school. Applications are due by Friday, 25 May 2007.

Full details, including eligibility criteria and application forms, are available from www.acceleratedpathways.com.au and via a direct link at www.education.qld.gov.au from Monday, 14 May 2007.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000 or 0419 734 985