Source: City of Portsmouth
Portsmouth’s largest education recruitment event kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Teach Portsmouth Jobs and Opportunities Fair, held on Wednesday 26 February 2025, at Guildhall attracted 300 attendees eager to explore employment and training opportunities in the education sector.
This event is a key initiative of Teach Portsmouth, aimed at recruiting local professionals who can educate children and young people in schools and colleges.
Recruitment fairs provide a valuable platform for individuals to connect with potential employers, engage in informal discussions, and obtain the necessary information to advance their careers.
Councillor Nicholas Dorrington, Cabinet Member for Children, Families, and Education at Portsmouth City Council, said:
“Teach Portsmouth is on a mission to find the city’s best and brightest people who can support our schools and academies. By organising high-profile events, we can attract those who are actively looking for work, who may want a career change, or are returning after time away.
“We work closely with employment partners, including Get Set Portsmouth and Job Centre Plus, who encourage their customers to attend, explore the various opportunities available, and take the first step towards a rewarding career in education.”
The drop-in event gave attendees the chance to sign up for taster sessions with employers. These sessions allowed people to visit a school, meet staff, and learn more about their vacancies.
Apprenticeships were also featured, with providers offering information and advice on this training route.
Madison Morrison, a teaching assistant apprentice at Penbridge School, attended a Teach Portsmouth jobs fair in 2024.
She met with Thinking Schools Academy Trust, who were promoting vacancies across their organisation. Madison applied for the teaching assistant apprenticeship and was successful. Madison said:
“The most rewarding aspect of working in education is seeing students grow, achieve, and overcome challenges. It brings immense satisfaction to know that you are positively impacting young people’s lives.
“My advice to someone considering a career in education is to build relationships not only with the students but also with colleagues and parents. Strong, positive connections create a foundation of trust, respect, and open communication, fostering a supportive and productive learning environment.”
Alongside exhibitors, attendees could visit the Opportunities Room to watch presentations on topics including employability, becoming a teaching assistant, routes into teaching, and working in specialist education.
At the end of each session, there was a chance to ask questions and be directed to relevant services at the careers fair.
For those who were unable to attend, Teach Portsmouth’s next event, the Support and Teaching Assistant Jobs Fair, returns to Central Library (third floor) on Thursday 1 May from 10am – 11:45am and 12pm – 2pm.
For more information and to register for a ticket, visit www.teachportsmouth.co.uk/TA.