Technology support long overdue

Technology support long overdue

26 September 2007

PPTA is pleased the Minister has finally acknowledged the need to support valued trades and technical professionals to make a career change into teaching, PPTA Executive member for Southland Penney Dunckley said today

“PPTA has been highlighting the shortages of technology teachers for many years. The shortages are so bad that some schools are unable to offer technology as a subject and that means our students are missing out on valuable 21st century skills.

“We have an ageing technology teaching workforce and very few pathways for people from trades and technical backgrounds to enter technology teaching.

“Worst of all for many, their qualifications do not currently grant them the same salaries as their colleagues with degrees.”

Mrs Dunckley said she hoped the Minister and Ministry would continue to fast track initiatives to improve the supply of technology teachers and ensure that those already in the system were not disadvantaged because of their qualifications.

She also said that PPTA had recommended late last year that a new two year university level course be developed for experienced trades and technical people to make the change into teaching. “We hope that will be up and running soon.”

ENDS

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