Flexible teaching pathways tackle teacher shortages in Wales

In response to growing demand for secondary school teachers in key subjects such as Welsh, science, and maths, the Welsh Government is promoting a range of flexible pathways into teaching. Among these is a salaried route that enables trainee teachers to earn while they train.

The salaried route allows participants to complete a two-year postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) while working full-time in a school. Costs are fully covered by a Welsh Government training grant, making it an attractive option for those considering a career change.

Steffan, who transitioned from financial recruitment in London to teaching in Wales, is among six trainees at Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy in Llanrwst currently using this route.

He said: “After researching my options, the salaried route was perfect for me. It allowed me to carry on earning a salary, gain valuable experience of working in a school, and ultimately become a teacher as well.

“I’m part of a fantastic community at the school and at the Open University. Whilst all the work is online you still feel like part of the University community. I communicate with people across all of Wales who do the course as well.”

The scheme is particularly beneficial in rural areas like Llanrwst, where recruitment challenges are more pronounced.

Owain Gethin Davies, headteacher at Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy, explained: “The salaried route scheme has enabled us to recruit the best teachers and build a workforce for the future, especially in key subjects such as maths or Welsh. In a rural area, teacher recruitment can be an issue.

“But thanks to this Welsh Government scheme, we now are training a team of six student teachers, all with different skills and from varied backgrounds, who are now gaining valuable experience both teaching and in other elements of secondary school day-to-day work.”

The Welsh Government has introduced several pathways into teaching to address shortages and attract diverse candidates. These include:

• Full-time PGCE: A one-year course for primary or secondary levels, requiring an honours degree.
• Part-time PGCE: A flexible two-year option, ideal for those balancing other commitments.
• Full-time undergraduate degree: A three-year course designed for those aiming to teach at the primary level.

For those not eligible for the salaried route, incentives of up to £25,000 are available for postgraduate study, including the Priority Subject Incentive, Minority Ethnic Incentive, and the Welsh-language Iaith Athrawon Yfory incentive.

Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, praised the variety of options now available:

“Having so many routes into teaching is enabling us to recruit the workforce we need both now and in the future, ensuring we support learners to reach their potential and continue to raise standards.

“It is heartening to see teachers joining our education workforce through the salaried route, enriching not only their own lives through a career in teaching but also contributing to an education system that Wales is proud of.”

For further information about routes into teaching, visit: Become a teacher with flexible training options.