Get a taste for teaching and earn £200 a week

STUDENTS in Somerset can earn themselves £200 a week AND get a taste for life as a teacher this summer, thanks to a new recruitment scheme.

Somerset County Council is offering 35 'Student Associate' placements in secondary schools to people currently studying in higher education.

The three-week placements are aimed at students who are not on a course that leads to teaching but who are interested in teaching as a career.

The placements take place during the first three weeks of July and students get a £200-a-week bursary.

A spokesman for the council's integrated workforce development team, which runs the scheme, said: "It involves intensive training days followed by work alongside experienced teachers, developing new skills and helping raise attainment and aspirations of children and young people."

The programme is run by the Children and Young People's Directorate in partnership with Plymouth University.

Schools also receive a small sum for taking the students and interviews for the placements will take place in April.

The project organisers are particularly keen to hear from anyone with a science or maths A-level. Placements in primary schools are also available.

Anyone who is interested in a placement should call 01823-410100.