A college lecturer from Nether Wallop has called on more professionals to turn to teaching in a bid to curb the 'great job migration'.

This follows a campaign which has been launched by the Department for Education calling on those with substantial industry experience to teach in further education and use their expertise and skills to inspire and train the next generation of workers.

Career changer, Susan Simmonds, 48, from Nether Wallop, is a part time Land & Wildlife Management Level 3 teacher at Sparsholt College. After working in the conservation sector for over 20 years, Susan wanted to share her skills and knowledge with the next generation in the hope she could inspire them to work in the industry. After her neighbour suggested a teaching role at Sparsholt College, Susan decided to apply and was offered the job on the same day. She currently lectures Land & Wildlife Management Level 3 students one day a week whilst continuing her role as an engagement officer at Hampshire & IOW Wildlife Trust.

Susan said: “I've gained lots of experience in leading and teaching groups of people of all ages and abilities through my role in the industry. I've also gained a huge amount of technical knowledge during my time in industry which I can pass on to the students. It’s such a pleasure to see that students have understood a concept and I love that I can not only teach the theory but I can offer examples of real life experiences from this sector. I enjoy the enthusiasm and the buzz of teaching young people - it's very rewarding when they produce amazing assignments and show everything that they've learnt."

READ MORE: Romsey Male Voice Choir to perform with Manchester group after two delays

New research has revealed that one in five UK workers are likely to change jobs in the next year. Over a third (35 per cent) of people in the South West say they would like to pass on their skills to others in their field of work, and more than a quarter (30 per cent) of people want to help the next generation.

"For anyone that’s considering teaching part time while remaining in industry, I’d say it’s a hugely rewarding and worthwhile career," she said.

"My husband would tell you that when I come home from my day's FE teaching, I am more inspired, enthusiastic and full of energy than at any other time in the week. It's true that it gives me so much energy and enjoyment and I have had students tell me that my passion comes through which is great to hear.”

“I have now been a FE teacher for over 15 years and sharing my knowledge in a learning environment is a very special and rewarding experience. I’d recommend FE teaching to industry professionals looking for a change. Teachers can make a big difference to the lives of their learners and teaching in FE offers variety, challenges and great job satisfaction.”

Further education teachers are needed across many subject areas but there is particular demand for workers from the following sectors: Health and Social Care, Construction, Engineering and Manufacturing, Legal, Finance, Accounting and Digital/IT.

Real-life experience is highly sought after, and teaching and other academic qualifications are not always a pre-requisite for employment as teachers can start earning straight away and do funded training on-the-job. There are full-time, part-time and flexible contracts available, allowing teaching to balance their hours alongside other professional or personal responsibilities.

Message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story. We really appreciate your support.

Please help us to continue bringing you all the trusted news from your area by sharing this story or by following our Facebook page.