A RECRUITMENT campaign has been launched for candidates to train to be teachers in Redcar and Cleveland.

Recruitment for next year begins in October and the campaign ‘Are you a class act?’ is designed to attract local people to become teachers of the future.

Keri Beever, form Marske, who successfully completed her training this year and is now teaching at Dormanstown Primary School, said: “I have always wanted to make a difference to young people’s lives and what better way to do it than to teach.

“The course was the hardest but the best thing I have ever done and the support I received from my tutors and fellow students – I would recommend it to anyone who is thinking of going into teaching.”

Trainees work in local schools, learning from experienced teachers as well as attending training sessions and studying educational theory for a PGCE qualification.

The programme has successfully trained more than 300 teachers since it began ten years ago with the majority of these employed in local schools.

Councillor Joan Guy, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's cabinet member for children’s services and education said: “On average 97 per cent of trainees find employment in local schools at the end of their training and with record numbers starting the programme this month candidates are being advised to apply early for places to start in September 2015.”

Candidates interested in training to be a teacher in September 2015 should contact Redcar & Cleveland Teacher Training Partnership on 01642-513659 or visit www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/gtp