TRAFFORD College is inviting professionals with industry experience to visit its centre for science and technology for a special open event.

Professionals from the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) will have the opportunity to learn more about turning their hand to teaching through advice from Trafford College and the centre’s specialist team.

With more than seven million jobs in the UK expected to be in the science-based industries by 2030 and engineering enterprises already employing more than 5.4 million, STEM professionals are being urged to discover how they can pass on their industry know-how, while also playing their part in addressing serious skills shortages across the borough and beyond.

The College is particularly keen in hearing from professionals from the following industries:

• Building Services.

• Construction.

• Electrical.

• Electronic Engineering.

• Engineering.

• Gas.

• Motor vehicle.

• Plumbing.

• Science.

The college offers full time, part time and flexible hours’ opportunities with benefits including a generous holiday allowance and pension scheme. Candidates joining the team for the event will find out about teaching and assessment vacancies, pathways into teaching and assessing, and a selection of recruitment agencies will be on-hand with information on the latest vacancies.

Trafford College Curriculum Leader for Gas and Plumbing, Anthony Dunn, who joined the team at Trafford College nearly a decade ago, knows only too well about the importance of industry know how in helping shape the future of the next generation of STEM graduates.

Having been a student himself at the college before joining the team in gas engineering as a teacher, Anthony’s experience of being taught by industry professionals was one of the reasons he felt compelled to follow their path into teaching.

After completing his gas and engineering NVQ Level 3, Anthony progressed into employment with Balfour Beatty but maintained close links with the College where his organisation delivered training programmes. This led him to complete his teacher training through the college, followed by a Certificate of Education through Edge Hill University; a move that the college supported all the way.

After six years, Anthony moved across to Domestic Gas, teaching level 3 programmes, but kept his finger on the pulse of developments in industry, ensuring students were receiving up-to-date training that would prepare them for the world of work. He was recently promoted to curriculum leader at just 28 years of age, and is passionate about sharing his love of teaching with others.

He comments, “Having joined Trafford College at just 20 years of age, my adult working life has been about the college. I’ve always felt passionate about progression in the workplace and despite being very young when I started my teacher training, I felt totally confident in my capabilities thanks to the support I received from the staff at Trafford College.

“Working in the world of teaching can be challenging, but if you’re a driven individual who enjoys those challenges, it’s a fantastic and rewarding career. Seeing students start their courses with no qualifications or confidence, and then watching them leave as confident ambitious engineers is so rewarding. Two years down the line they have a stable living and are working with some of the borough’s top organisations.

“The college has fantastic links with employers and we understand the huge impact these links with industry have on our students. This is why we would love to hear from professionals from with the industry who can use their knowledge to impact on the lives of students in such a positive way.”

The recruitment open event takes place on Monday, February 29, 4-7pm, at the Centre for Science and Technology, Talbot Road, Stretford, M32 0XH. For those unable to attend the event, contact the college’s HR Department on 0161 952 4801 for an informal discussion. Visit www.trafford.ac.uk for further details