Oil & Gas Workers Given Chance to Retrain as Teachers

Support Announced as Part of Funding Package for North East 

​Oil and gas workers will be given the chance to retrain as teachers as part of the Scottish Government’s package of support for the North East.
 
The news was announced by Education Secretary Angela Constance today alongside plans to consider measures to improve recruitment of teachers and headteachers in the region.
 
Ms Constance said that the Scottish Government would develop a pathway into teaching within the £12m Transition Training Fund announced earlier this month by the First Minister.

​Commenting, SNP MSP Mark McDonald said:
 
“It’s essential that we keep skilled workers in the North East and give individuals the opportunity to retrain into new fields – creating a pathway into teaching is an ideal way to allow oil and gas workers to pass on their skills and experience to the next generation.
 
“It is also significant that the Education Secretary has recognised the pressure on teacher recruitment in the region and will explore new ways to attract teachers and headteachers to the North East. This is something I have discussed with the Education Secretary, particularly with an eye on boosting the number of STEM qualified teachers in the North East, and I welcome the Government taking this approach.
 
“After recently announcing Scottish Government investment of £379m, including our £125m share of the City Deal, the SNP has demonstrated that we are absolutely committed to supporting the North East and ensuring the long term prosperity of the region.”